10 Fascinating Facts About the Northern Gannet

Northern Gannets are renowned for their remarkable diving abilities. They can dive from heights of up to 100 feet (30 meters) and reach speeds of 60 miles per hour (97 kilometers per hour) as they plunge into the water to catch fish.

These birds have forward-facing eyes, which provide them with binocular vision. This adaptation allows them to accurately judge the distance to their prey while flying high above the water.

They have unique adaptations for breathing during dives. They breathe through the sides of their mouths, which prevents them from inhaling seawater upon entry.

They are colonial nesters, meaning they breed and nest in large, densely packed colonies on steep cliffs near the ocean. Some colonies can host thousands of breeding pairs.

Gannets are known for forming monogamous pairs that can last for many breeding seasons. They engage in intricate courtship displays to strengthen their bonds.

Their feathers are coated with a waxy substance secreted by a gland at the base of their tails. This wax makes their feathers waterproof, allowing them to emerge from the water completely dry.

Primarily feed on fish, including species like herring, mackerel, sardines, anchovies, smelt, and pollock. They are skilled at hunting schooling fish.

They breed in remote and often inhospitable locations, such as rocky cliffs on islands in the North Atlantic. Some of the largest colonies can be found in places like Scotland, Ireland, and Iceland.

They can live for several decades, with some individuals reaching an age of 25 years or more. However, their survival rate is lower during their first year of life.

While Northern Gannets are not currently considered endangered, they face threats such as entanglement in fishing gear and habitat degradation due to human activities. Conservation efforts are in place to protect these impressive seabirds.

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They can dive from heights of up to 100 feet (30 meters) and reach speeds of 60 miles per hour (97 kilometers per hour) as they plunge into the water to catch fish.