Northern Gannet
ExploreBirds
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
Category
BirdsRarity
Rare
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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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
Ability
High-Speed Plunge Dive
Northern Gannet can plunge dive from over 30 meters because their strong skulls and air sacs protect them during high-speed ocean impacts.
Ability
Underwater 'Flight'
Northern Gannet can 'fly' underwater using powerful wingbeats and webbed feet, helping them chase fish at impressive depths.
Ability
Pinpoint Vision
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
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Feathered
Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers.
Aerial
Aerial creatures spend a significant portion of their lives airborne, utilizing flight for various activities such as hunting, migration, or nesting.
Piscivorous
Piscivorous organisms are animals that primarily subsist on a diet of fish.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Coastal
Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater.
Aquatic
Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
Marine
Marine habitats encompass all saltwater environments of the Earth's oceans, supporting an immense diversity of aquatic life.
Also known as
Gannet
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Watch quietly from a distance and never try to feed or chase wild animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Northern Gannet?
87-100 cm
What is Northern Gannet's wingspan?
165-180 cm
How much does Northern Gannet weigh?
2.3-3.6 kg
How long does Northern Gannet live?
15-30 years
How fast can Northern Gannet move?
60 km/h
What does Northern Gannet eat?
These expert hunters plunge-dive into the ocean to catch fish like mackerel, herring, and sandeels.
Where is Northern Gannet usually found?
Coastal areas and open oceans
How does Northern Gannet hunt?
Pursuit
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