Northern Gannet
Image: Stephen John Davies (cc-by-nc)
NameNorthern Gannet
Common NameNorthern Gannet
Scientific NameMorus bassanus
FamilySulidae
Wingspan (cm)172.5
Length (cm)93.5
Weight (g)2950
Plumage DetailsAdults have brilliant white plumage over most of the body, contrasting sharply with black primary wing feathers. The head and nape typically display a yellowish or buff wash, and the bill is long, pointed, and bluish-grey.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations are typically harsh, guttural calls, often described as 'arrah-arrah' or 'grah-grah', primarily heard at their noisy breeding colonies.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal, open ocean, cliffs, rocky islands
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds on coastal cliffs and islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, ranging from eastern Canada and Greenland to Iceland, the British Isles, and Norway. They disperse widely across the North Atlantic during the non-breeding season.
Identifying FeaturesLarge size, Brilliant white body plumage, Black wingtips, Yellowish wash on head, Long, pointed, bluish-grey bill, Streamlined, cigar-shaped body in flight, Spectacular plunge-diving behavior
Description
The Northern Gannet is a large, striking seabird known for its spectacular plunge-diving fishing technique. Adults are predominantly white with black wingtips and a distinctive yellowish wash on the head, spending most of their lives at sea.
