Gannet

Morus bassanus

Also known as the Northern Gannet this bird is unquestionably one of our most beautiful seabirds. Its pure white body and wings with black tips makes it easy to identify. They spend most of their life at sea where they flap and glide low over the water. Its breeding habitat can be found on coastal cliffs and remote islands with cliffs, ledges and slopes. It spends the winter months out at sea. Breeding colonies occur with huge numbers of birds in localised spots around the coast.They arrive at their colonies from January onwards and leave in August and September. Non-breeding birds can be seen at any time around the coasts. Its diet consists solely of fish which it catches by diving into the water from a considerable height at great speed.

Gannets dont reach sexual maturity until they are four years old. Their age is reflected in their plumage. The bird above is a mature adult whilst the bird below is a juvenile. Brown feathers are an indication of immaturity in these birds.

Gannets only come ashore to breed. The photo below shows the classic courtship and bonding pose of the Gannet.

For further information on breeding Gannets click HERE