Fauna
Bird · GBIF taxon 2480964

Northern Gannet

Morus bassanus

Also known as Solan Goose, Gannet

Northern gannets are master oceanic plunge-divers, hurtling into the Atlantic at speeds exceeding 100 kilometers per hour to capture fish up to 15 meters below the surface. Air sacs under the skin absorb the violent impact, while binocular vision and sharp serrated bills allow precise underwater pursuit. Massive crowded colonies on sea cliffs vibrate with loud guttural calls and elaborate bill-clattering greetings during the summer breeding season.

SeabirdPlunge DiverColonial
Northern Gannet reference1 / 7
Licensed reference(c) Júlio Reis, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Atlantic Herring
  • Atlantic Mackerel
  • Sand Eel
Predators
  • White-tailed Eagle
  • Great Black-backed Gull
  • Red Fox
ThreatsHighly pathogenic avian influenza, commercial fishing net entanglement, climate-driven prey shifts
HabitatsOpen ocean, coastal waters, rocky cliff ledges, offshore islands
Life span15–25 years
Classification
  1. OrderSuliformes
  2. FamilySulidae
  3. GenusMorus
  4. SpeciesMorus bassanus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Sharp dagger-like bill can inflict severe cuts if a stranded bird is cornered or handled.
Why it is dangerous
Dagger-like serrated bill and strong neck muscles can cause deep lacerations and puncture wounds if the bird is handled or cornered.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for a large white seabird with black wingtips, a yellowish-buff head, and a long pointed blue-grey bill.
What to do
Maintain a safe distance at viewing sites; if rescuing a stranded individual, wrap it in a thick towel and contact professional wildlife rescuers.
Responsible observation
  • Cliff Watching: Visit breeding colonies like Bass Rock or Cape St. Mary's between April and August to observe dense nesting grounds.
  • Pelagic Trips: Take coastal boat tours off northern Atlantic waters to spot individuals plunge-diving near schooling fish.
  • Observer Distance: Maintain a safe distance from cliff edges and avoid disturbing nesting pairs, as stressed birds may abandon eggs.
Related species
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