Northern Gannet
Morus bassanus
Aves › Suliformes › Sulidae › Morus
Conservation status: least_concern
The Northern gannet is a seabird, the largest species of the gannet family, Sulidae. It is native to the coasts of the North Atlantic Ocean, breeding in Western Europe and Northeastern North America. It is the largest seabird in the northern Atlantic. The sexes are similar in appearance. The adult northern gannet has a mainly white streamlined body with a long neck, and long and slender wings. It is 87–100 cm long with a 170–180 cm (67–71 in) wingspan. The head and nape have a buff tinge that is more prominent in breeding season, and the wings are edged with dark brown-black feathers. The long, pointed bill is blue-grey, contrasting with black, bare skin around the mouth and eyes. Juveniles are mostly grey-brown, becoming increasingly white in the five years it takes them to reach maturity.
How To Identify
Adults are predominantly brilliant white with bright yellow bills and stunning flight wings, giving them a majestic appearance among other gulls.
Habitat
Northern Gannets inhabit coastal waters and breed on rocky islands and sea cliffs in the North Atlantic, typically in cool to cold marine environments.
Behaviour
They perform spectacular synchronized group dives and are highly social, forming massive breeding colonies with thousands of individuals nesting in close proximity.
Native Range
It is native to the coasts of the North Atlantic Ocean, breeding in Western Europe and Northeastern North America.
Did You Know?
Northern Gannets can dive at speeds exceeding 60 mph (100 km/h), plunging from heights of 100 feet or more to catch fish, and their skulls have special shock-absorbing air sacs to cushion the impact.
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