Northern Gannet
NameNorthern Gannet
Common NameNorthern Gannet
Scientific NameMorus bassanus
FamilySulidae
Wingspan (cm)170
Length (cm)90
Weight (g)2900
Plumage DetailsAdults are predominantly brilliant white with black primary wing feathers (wingtips) and a pale yellowish wash on the head and nape. They possess striking pale blue eyes encircled by a black eye-ring. Juveniles are dark brown or black, gradually acquiring adult plumage over several years.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations are typically harsh, guttural 'arrah-arrah' calls, particularly noisy within their breeding colonies.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatsmarine, coastal, cliffs, rocky islands
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds on islands and coasts of the North Atlantic, including eastern Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, the British Isles, and France. Winters further south in the Atlantic Ocean.
Identifying FeaturesLarge size, Brilliant white plumage with black wingtips (adults), Pale yellow head (adults), Pale blue eyes with black eye-ring, Pointed bill, Powerful plunge-diving behavior, Colonial nesting on cliffs
Description
The Northern Gannet is a large, striking seabird known for its powerful plunge-diving technique. Adults exhibit brilliant white plumage with black wingtips and a distinctive pale yellow wash on the head. They breed in dense colonies on coastal cliffs and islands.
