{"id":2519,"date":"2007-07-30T16:20:00","date_gmt":"2007-07-30T16:20:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/whalewatchingazores.com\/blog\/2007\/07\/30\/northern-gannet-fact-sheet\/"},"modified":"2020-02-12T11:37:08","modified_gmt":"2020-02-12T12:37:08","slug":"northern-gannet-fact-shee","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/whalewatchingazores.com\/blog\/northern-gannet-fact-shee\/","title":{"rendered":"Northern gannet fact sheet"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Morusbassanus <\/em>| Northern gannet <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The northern gannet is the largest seabird which nests in Europe. They are well known for their  amazing vertical dives which can bring them down to 40 meters into the water. They dive from high altitudes, folding their wings back and entering the water like a pointed arrow. This species has  long narrow wings with black tips, a white body, yellow head (especially during breeding) and a long pointed blue coloured beak. The head and neck are projected forward, allowing a rapid distinction from other marine species. Gannets construct their nest with seaweed along cliffs and steep slopes. The only laying occurs between April and June and pairs are monogamous.  Juveniles are dark brown in the first year and gradually become lighter in the following seasons, until reaching maturity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the winter they migrate south, often flying in a line of two to a few dozen individuals that form 4 to 5 lines. This species is classified as an “uncommon vagrant” in the Azores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Length:<\/strong>
\u2022 Male: 93 – 110 cm
\u2022 Female: 92.5 – 104 cm<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Weight: <\/strong>
\u2022 Male: c.2.6 kg
\u2022 Female: c.3 kg (maximum 3.6 kg)
\u2022 Fledging: c.5 kg<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wingspan: <\/strong>165 – 190 cm<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Population:<\/strong>
\u2022 Europe: c.9,000,000 – 930,000,000
\u2022 Global: c.536,000 – 1,200,000<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Longevity:<\/strong> 21 years<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Diet:<\/strong> Small fish<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Breeding age: <\/strong>3 – 5 years<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eggs:<\/strong> 1 (pale blue-green). Can be replaced up to 3 times<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Incubation: <\/strong>42 – 46 days<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nesting sites:<\/strong> Rocky cliffs<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fledging: <\/strong>c.90 days<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In other languages<\/strong>
Portuguese: Alcatraz\/Ganso patola
Spanish: Alcatraz com\u00fan\/Alcatraz atl\u00e1ntico
French: Fou de Bassan
Italian: Sula bassana
German: Basst\u00f6lpel
Dutch: Jan-van-Gent
Swedish: Havssula
Norwegian: Havsule
Danish: Sule
Finnish: Suula<\/p>\n\n\n\n