gannet
1. Bird Name
English Name: Northern Gannet
Scientific Name: Morus bassanus
2. Appearance
The Northern Gannet sports a majestic and distinct appearance, characterized by its large size, streamlined body, and long, slender wings. Males and females are similar in appearance, exhibiting an all-over white plumage that allows them to blend into their cliffside nesting grounds. The back of their necks is tinged with a golden hue, which adds a touch of elegance to their look. One of the most distinctive aspects of the Northern Gannet’s appearance is its piercing blue eyes surrounded by a thin black line that leads to a long, strong, healthy yellowish-brown beak, perfectly designed for diving and catching fish. Their webbed feet are black with an extraordinary blue line around the edges.
3. Size
The Northern Gannet is a large bird, with an average length of 87–100 cm (34–39 inches) and a wingspan that can reach up to 165–180 cm (65–71 inches). They weigh an average of 2.5 to 3.6 kg (5.5 to 8 lb).
4. Habitat & Distribution
These birds are widespread across the North Atlantic, nesting in large colonies on cliffs in parts of Canada, the United Kingdom, Greenland, Iceland, Ireland, and Norway. They prefer habitats with access to the ocean – their primary source of food – and steep cliffs, which aid in their wind-assisted takeoff.
5. Interesting Facts
One unique behavior of gannets is their high-speed plunge diving into the sea to catch fish. They draw their wings back into an arrow shape and dive up to speeds of 100 km/h, penetrating deep underwater. They also have air sacs distributed throughout their body acting like a cushion when impacting the water. In addition to their exceptional hunting prowess, Gannets mate for life and return to the same nest each year which is quite a love story.
6. Diet
Gannets are mainly piscivores, tuned to a diet that consists of fish such as mackerel and herring, and squids. They have exceptional eyesight, which allows them to spot their prey from staggering heights before they perform their spectacular plunge-dive to catch it.
7. Behavior & Sounds
Northern Gannets are extremely sociable birds, nesting in large, noisy colonies. During breeding season, pairs can be seen performing a sophisticated “dance” involving bill fencing and preening. They communicate through a variety of vocalizations, including hisses and harsh calls, often described as a “urr, urr, urr” sound.
8. Conservation Status
The Northern Gannet is listed as “Least Concern” according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It is protected in several of its habitats, therefore its population trend appears to be increasing.
9. Lifespan
In the wild, Northern Gannets are long-lived birds, capable of reaching 25-35 years in age. In captivity, the lifespan might be slightly less due to differences in diet and environment.
10. Additional Notes
Known as “súla” in Icelandic and “fou de bassan” in French, the Northern Gannet plays a role in local folklore. It’s considered a messenger of the sea, signaling the arrival of certain fish species. They are vital predators in marine ecosystems and a crucial indicator of ocean health due to their diet consisting solely of sea creatures. However, they face threats from plastic pollution, as they often mistake floating plastic for prey, illustrating the broader ecological problems faced by marine life.
