Northern gannet
The northern gannet is a medium-sized seabird known for its impressive diving abilities, plunging from heights of up to 130 feet (40 meters) to catch fish and squid. These birds, which measure between 35 to 39 1/2 inches (87 to 100 centimeters) in length and weigh between 4 1/2 to 8 pounds (2 to 3 1/2 kilograms), are characterized by their striking white plumage, yellowish-orange necks, and black-tipped wings. Northern gannets predominantly inhabit the Atlantic Ocean coasts, where they are skilled predators, capable of diving to depths of 50 feet (15 meters) to capture their prey, including various species of fish.
Socially, northern gannets tend to live solitary or in small groups outside of the breeding season, migrating south during winter and returning to their colonies in March and April for mating. These colonies can vary significantly in size, hosting anywhere from 10 to several thousand pairs. Gannets are monogamous and return to the same nesting sites each year, where they build nests from natural materials. After a breeding period of approximately 42 to 46 days, they raise a single chick, which becomes independent by 13 weeks. Despite their vulnerable-looking nesting habits, northern gannets are not considered a threatened species, with lifespans ranging from 17 to 37 years.
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Northern gannet
The northern gannet is a medium-sized seabird which is famous for its plunging dives from great heights into the water for fish and squid. Its nostrils automatically close when it dives, and special air sacs underneath its skin absorb the high shock when it hits the water. The northern gannet can be found on the coasts of the Atlantic Ocean.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Suliformes
Family: Sulidae
Genus: Morus
Species: Bassanus
The northern gannet is about 35 to 39 1/2 inches (87 to 100 centimeters) long and weighs between 4 1/2 and eight pounds (two to 3 1/2 kilograms). Their bodies have white plumage, or feathering, except for a slight yellowish-orange tinge on their necks and black tips on their wings. They resemble a small goose with a long, angular bill. Black, webbed feet aid the gannet in swimming. Their wings span 67 to 71 inches (170 to 180 centimeters).
Fish and squid in the North Atlantic face a dangerous predator when the northern gannet is flying above them. This seabird is famous for its aerial dives from 130 feet (40 meters) and its ability to then catch its meals from as deep as 50 feet (15 meters). The gannet may also dive from lower heights or from the surface of the water itself. The gannet's dives into the water may last from five to 20 seconds. Fish such as cod, herring, haddock, capelin, mackerel, pilchard, and anchovy are all menu items for the gannet, and it may seize fish up to one foot (30 centimeters) long. This diet makes them carnivores, or meat-eating animals. The gannet is able to dive as it does because it has special air sacs in its body, particularly in its head and neck, which absorb the shock of hitting the water at such high speeds. Its nostrils also close automatically as it enters the water.
Gannets tend to live alone or in small groups when they are not breeding. They feed farther out at sea and only fly closer to shore during great storms or for large schools of fish. Some birds migrate south in the winter and then return to breed in the spring. During breeding season in March and April they form noisy colonies on the grassy, coastal hillsides or islands with high, flat areas. Colonies may contain as few as 10 pairs or as many as several thousand. Once a gannet reaches the age of five or six years and is able to breed, it finds a mate and mates for life. A male and female mate and return to the same nesting site each year. The male returns first to reclaim his cliff-top or cliff-ledge territory before his mate arrives. He then builds a nest from a pile of seaweed, grass, feathers, dirt, and droppings. Both male and female incubate their single egg for about 42 to 46 days. They feed the chick partly digested fish. At the age of 13 weeks, they leave the young gannet since it is independent and can find its own food.
The life span of northern gannets is 17 to 37 years. They are not a threatened species.
Bibliography
Hornung, Jonathan. “Northern Gannet - Facts, Diet, Habitat, & Pictures on Animalia.bio.” Animalia, 2024, animalia.bio/northern-gannet. Accessed 2 May 2024.
Polan, Jason. “Northern Gannet - Audubon Field Guide.” National Audubon Society, 2024, www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/northern-gannet. Accessed 2 May 2024.