Northern Gannet
Image: seabirder (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 are pure white with black primary wingtips and a yellowish wash on the head and nape. Juveniles are dark brown and mottled, gradually acquiring adult plumage over several years.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations are typically harsh, guttural calls, often described as 'arrah-arrah' or 'grah-grah', especially loud and continuous within their breeding colonies.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatspelagic, coastal, cliffs, rocky islands
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds on islands and coasts of the North Atlantic Ocean, including Europe (e.g., UK, Ireland, France, Norway, Iceland) and North America (e.g., Canada). Winters further south in the Atlantic.
Identifying Featureslarge size, pure white body, black primary wingtips, yellowish head wash (adults), long pointed bill, wedge-shaped tail, plunge-diving behavior
Description
The Northern Gannet is a large, striking white seabird with distinctive black wingtips, known for its powerful flight and spectacular plunge-diving fishing technique. They spend most of their lives at sea, coming to land only to breed in dense, noisy colonies on cliffs and rocky islands.
