Northern Gannet
NameNorthern Gannet
Common NameNorthern Gannet
Scientific NameMorus bassanus
FamilySulidae
Wingspan (cm)172.5
Length (cm)93.5
Weight (g)3100
Plumage DetailsAdults are predominantly brilliant white with contrasting black primary wingtips. The head and neck often display a creamy yellow or buff wash, especially during the breeding season. They have pale blue eyes encircled by a black orbital ring, and a long, pointed, pale greyish-blue bill.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations are typically harsh, guttural calls, often described as 'arrah-arrah' or 'rab-rab-rab'. These calls are particularly loud and constant within their dense breeding colonies, creating a cacophony of sound.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal cliffs, open ocean
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds on coastal cliffs and islands across the North Atlantic Ocean, including eastern Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, the British Isles, and France. They disperse widely across the North Atlantic during the non-breeding season, often wintering further south.
Identifying Featureslarge size, white plumage with black wingtips, yellowish head wash (adults), pale blue eyes with black orbital ring, long, pointed bill, plunge-diving behavior
Description
The Northern Gannet is a large, striking white seabird known for its spectacular plunge-diving technique to catch fish. Adults exhibit a distinctive yellowish wash on the head and black wingtips, making them easily identifiable at sea or in their dense coastal breeding colonies.
