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Gannet

Morus bassanus (Northern gannet)

Scotland is home to around 60% of Europe’s gannets. From late January gannets return to the Bass Rock: numbers peak at over 150,000 making it the largest single island gannet colony in the world.

Gannets are Britain’s largest seabird and they have a distinctive appearance: adults are bright white with black wingtips and a yellow marking on their heads, a long neck, pointed beak and long pointed tail.

At sea they flap and then glide low over the water, often travelling in small groups. They feed by flying high and circling before plunging into the sea, at speeds of up to 60mph/ 96kmph.

See the return of the gannets in 2012.

Breeding

They breed in significant numbers but only at a few localities: coastal cliffs and remote islands with cliffs, ledges and slopes.

Winter

Spent at sea, with many flying as far as Bay of Biscay and the West Coast of Africa.

Sound

Cackling calls at the nest.

Spot them

They arrive at the Bass Rock from late January onwards and leave in October.

Gannet facts