Northern Gannet
Image: Stephen John Davies (cc-by-nc)
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 contrasting black primary flight feathers (wingtips). The head and nape typically exhibit a pale yellowish wash, which can be more pronounced during the breeding season. The bill is long, conical, and pale bluish-grey with dark lines, complemented by dark facial skin around the eye.
Vocalization / CallNorthern Gannets are generally silent at sea but become very vocal at their breeding colonies, emitting harsh, guttural calls described as 'arrack-arrack' or 'rab-rab-rab'.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatsoceanic, coastal cliffs, rocky islands
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds on rocky islands and coastal cliffs across the North Atlantic, including eastern Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, the British Isles, and France. During winter, they disperse widely across the Atlantic, ranging south to the Gulf of Mexico, West Africa, and the Mediterranean Sea.
Identifying Featureslarge size, brilliant white plumage, black wingtips, yellowish head (adults), long pointed bill, plunge-diving behavior
Description
The Northern Gannet is a large, striking seabird characterized by its brilliant white plumage, black wingtips, and a pale yellow wash on its head. These powerful flyers are renowned for their spectacular plunge-diving technique, which they use to catch fish far out at sea.
