Northern Gannet

Morus bassanus

Genus · Gannets Family · Boobies and Gannets
Observation tips Difficulty: MODERATE
Best time
🕒 Any
Activity
☀️ Diurnal
Best months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Observation habitat
Cliffs edgeOffshore watersOpen water

Look for them from coastal headlands. Their dazzling white bodies and long black-tipped wings are unmistakable. Watch for dramatic vertical dives.

Northern Gannet
Stats
Wingspan165–185 cm
Weight2400–3600 g
Length87–100 cm
Lifespan wild16–30 yrs
Size
XS
S
M
L
XL
Nesting
Nest typePlatform
Clutch size1 eggs
Incubation42–46 days
Breeding months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Regional Status (Europe)
LC
Least Concern (Europe)
IUCN Red List
MigrationMigratory
Social BehaviourColonial

Diet: Piscivore

🐟Fish

Habitat

🌊 Marine⛰️ Mountains
✦ Fun Fact

Northern Gannets have no obvious external nostrils. Instead, they breathe through openings inside the beak that help keep water out during high-speed dives.

About

The largest seabird in the North Atlantic. It has snow-white plumage with black wingtips and a yellow wash on the head. They are colonial nesters. They form vast 'cities' on remote rocky islands. Gannets spend most of their lives at sea and only come to land to breed.

Behaviour

Gannets are famous for high-speed plunge-diving. They drop from heights up to 30 metres to catch fish. They hit the water at speeds of 100 km/h. Specialized air sacs in their chest cushion the impact. Their flight is powerful and direct with long, narrow wings. Pairs engage in 'sky-pointing' greeting rituals.

Similar species

Great Black-backed Gull
🐦
Great Black-backed Gull
Larus marinus
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