Quick Northern Gannet facts
1. Northern gannets dive from the air at speeds that can exceed highway traffic speedsNorthern gannets dive from the air at speeds that can exceed highway traffic speeds.
2. Air sacs in the head and chest help cushion the…Air sacs in the head and chest help cushion the impact when the bird strikes the water.
3. Nostrils are internal rather than opening directly on the outside of the billNostrils are internal rather than opening directly on the outside of the bill.
4. Eyes are positioned to provide strong binocular vision for judging…Eyes are positioned to provide strong binocular vision for judging distance before a plunge.
5. The body becomes arrow-shaped just before impactThe body becomes arrow-shaped just before impact, with wings folded tightly backward.
6. Gannets can continue swimming underwater using wings and feet after…Gannets can continue swimming underwater using wings and feet after the initial plunge.
7. They feed mainly on schooling fish such as mackerelThey feed mainly on schooling fish such as mackerel, herring and sand eels.
8. Breeding colonies can contain tens of thousands of densely packed pairsBreeding colonies can contain tens of thousands of densely packed pairs.
9. Adult birds defend tiny nest territories only a bill's length from neighboring pairsAdult birds defend tiny nest territories only a bill's length from neighboring pairs.
10. Pairs perform ritualized bill fencing and sky-pointing displaysPairs perform ritualized bill fencing and sky-pointing displays.
11. Most pairs raise a single chick each breeding seasonMost pairs raise a single chick each breeding season.
12. Chicks accumulate large fat reserves before leaving the colonyChicks accumulate large fat reserves before leaving the colony.
13. Young birds have mottled brown plumage that becomes whiter over several yearsYoung birds have mottled brown plumage that becomes whiter over several years.
14. Northern gannets migrate widely across the North Atlantic outside breeding seasonNorthern gannets migrate widely across the North Atlantic outside breeding season.
15. They can travel hundreds of kilometers from a colony on a single foraging tripThey can travel hundreds of kilometers from a colony on a single foraging trip.
16. Colony sites are often steep islands or cliffs that provide…Colony sites are often steep islands or cliffs that provide clear takeoff routes over the sea.
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Why northern gannet are fascinating
Northern gannets are large North Atlantic seabirds that plunge into the ocean at high speed to catch fish. Looking at these traits together reveals how the animal solves the everyday challenges of feeding, movement, communication, reproduction and survival.
Frequently asked questions
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Where can I find similar animals?
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