Gannet

Family SULIDAE
Sula Bassana

Gannets

No. 27

This great bird has the magnificent wings and flight of a giant Gull, and a wing-span of nearly 6ft. It can sight a fish from a great height while on the wing and will drop like an arrow into the water after its prey. The plumage is white with a tinge of buff on the head and neck, and dark brown, almost black, wing-tips. Immatures are first dusky all over, later piebald or white sprinked with dark spots.

Haunt The coast and sea, and at breeding time rocky isles and stacks, chiefly on the north and west of the British Isles.

Nest Of seaweed and tufts of grass or thrift; on the rocky ledge of a stack or island in a great colony, with others.

Eggs 1, nearly white, chalky. April or May.

Food Fish.

Notes Short and harsh.

Length 36 or 37 in (91 or 94 cm)

Status Resident