Northern gannet

The northern gannet is a magnificent seabird and the largest member of the gannet family, Sulidae. These birds can be found along the coasts of the Atlantic Ocean, where they breed in regions such as Western Europe, North America, and the Caribbean. With their sleek white bodies, long necks, and blue-grey bills, they are truly a sight to behold.

During the breeding season, northern gannets congregate in colonies on seaside cliffs and offshore islands. Some of the most notable colonies are located in Scotland, Wales, and Quebec. These birds are expert hunters, diving into the sea at high speeds to catch fish.

The northern gannet has a fascinating history. It was first described by Conrad Gessner in the 16th century and later by Carl Linnaeus in the 18th century. Today, the International Ornithologists' Union officially recognizes the "northern gannet" as their common name. They belong to the Sulidae family, which also includes boobies, and their lineage extends back approximately 30 million years.

Adult northern gannets are impressive in size, with wingspans ranging from 170 to 180 cm and body lengths of 87 to 100 cm. They are built for plunge-diving, equipped with strong neck muscles, spongy bone plates to cushion impacts, and waterproof feathers. Their calls are distinctive, and they can be quite aggressive during nesting.

These birds breed on cliffs and islands throughout the North Atlantic. Major populations are found in the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Norway, Russia, and North America. While northern gannets migrate seasonally, adults typically remain relatively close to their breeding sites. Although they have few natural predators, they face threats from bald eagles, white-tailed eagles, and parasites such as feather lice and tapeworms.

Fortunately, the northern gannet is not currently at risk. The IUCN lists them as a species of least concern, thanks to their stable and growing population, which is estimated to be between 950,000 and 1,200,000 individuals. Despite challenges in the past, such as habitat loss, egg collection, and hunting, their numbers have recovered. Northern gannets are widespread and have high breeding success rates, with approximately 75% of eggs resulting in fledged young.