Northern Gannet Morus bassanus
Northern Gannet is a large bird, a wingspan up to 180cm, breeding in large colonies along the northern areas of the coast to the atlantic. This species is interesting to watch, due to its spectacular diving for fishes. When diving towards the water surface, the bird can reach a speed of up to 100km/h.
Advertisement
We need your help! By making a contribution towards our hosting costs, you can help us provide an ad-free experience on our website in the near future. Paypal
Taxonomy
Aves > Suliformes > Sulidae
Names in different Languages
| German | Basstölpel |
| English | Northern Gannet |
| French | Fou de Bassan |
| Spanish | Alcatraz común, Alcatraz atlántico |
How to Identify
From far away, you may see them as just another gull, white with black tips on the wing. As soon as they dive for a fish you are able to identify them clearly. Closer, the typical form of the beak and head, optimized to break into the water surface on impact, its yellowish head and blue ring around the eye allow the identification.
Where When to Spot
Along the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland Bay of Lawrence. I was lucky to watch them fishing at Flatrock Cove, north of St. John’s, NL.
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flatrock Cave | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Saguenay St. Lawrence Marine Park | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Number of times a species has been observed, identified, and recorded. A species is reported only once per visit to a park.
Photos of Northern Gannet
