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Northern Gannet

Morus bassanus ORDER: PELECANIFORMES FAMILY: SULIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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Northern Gannet Photo

© Mary Tremaine / CLO

Breeding in only a few large colonies along the North Atlantic, the Northern Gannet spends most of its life at sea. Flocks engage in spectacular bouts of plunge-diving for fish, with hundreds of birds diving into the ocean from heights of up to 40 meters (130 feet).

Inside Birding
For complete information on this species, visit The Birds of North America Online.

Appearance

Gull-like
Gull-like
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Large waterbird.
  • White with black wingtips.
  • Long pointed bill.
  • Long pointed tail.
  • Long pointed wings.
  • Immatures range from all dark to mostly white.

Immature Description

Juvenile all dark, covered in white spots, and with white rump. Takes three or more years to get adult plumage; immature birds can be a mix of dark and light markings.

Range Map Help

Northern Gannet Range Map
View dynamic map of eBird sightings

Similar Species

  • Masked Booby has black tail and black extending along the back of the wings.
  • Adult Brown Booby has sharp border between dark brown chest and white belly, and will be mostly unspotted brown.
  • Red-footed Booby has pale face and black extending along the back of the wings.
  • Gannet has feathering in front of eyes, boobies do not.