ExploreBird

Northern Gannet

Morus bassanus

The Northern Gannet is a large, beautiful bird known for its white feathers and sharp beak. It dives into the ocean to catch fish!

Habitat: Coastal areas and open oceans

Appearance

The Northern Gannet is a large, striking seabird with brilliant white plumage, distinctive black wingtips, and a yellowish wash on its head and neck. It has a pointed, blue-grey bill with black lines and bright blue rings around its pale eyes, making it visually distinct.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderSuliformesFamilySulidaeGenusMorus

Northern Gannet

Interesting facts

Gannets have special internal nostrils that seal shut during their powerful dives!

Northern Gannets often hunt in groups, signaling fish locations to each other.

Their eyes face forward, giving them amazing depth perception for hunting fish.

They possess internal air sacs under their skin, acting like airbags during dives.

Special abilities

Northern Gannet can plunge dive from over 30 meters because their strong skulls and air sacs protect them during high-speed ocean impacts.

Northern Gannet can 'fly' underwater using powerful wingbeats and webbed feet, helping them chase fish at impressive depths.

Northern Gannet has excellent binocular vision that helps them accurately target fast-moving fish from high above the ocean surface.

Measurements & details

Length: 87-100 cm
Wingspan: 165-180 cm
Weight: 2.3-3.6 kg
Lifespan: 15-30 years
Top Speed: 60 km/h
Clutch Size: 1
Incubation: 42-46 days
Migration Distance: 4000 km

Diet & Feeding

These expert hunters plunge-dive into the ocean to catch fish like mackerel, herring, and sandeels.

Primary Foods

Atlantic Mackerel
Atlantic Herring
Sandeel
Sprat
Cod
Squid

Foraging Method

Pursuit

Ecological connections

hunts

Atlantic Mackerel

Scomber scombrus

A primary schooling fish prey for gannets.

hunts

Atlantic Herring

Clupea harengus

Another common schooling fish targeted by gannets.

eaten by

Great Black-backed Gull

Larus marinus

Gulls sometimes prey on gannet eggs or young chicks.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Feathered

These are animals covered in soft, beautiful feathers that help them fly, stay warm, and even attract mates! Think of all the amazing birds you know.

Aerial

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Piscivorous

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Longevous

Marvel at organisms that have an incredible capacity to live for a very, very long time, sometimes spanning centuries or even millennia. They are the elders of the natural world!

Coastal

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Aquatic

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Marine

Dive into the vast, salty waters of the ocean, teeming with an incredible diversity of life, from tiny plankton to giant whales! It's a watery wonderland.