# Northern Gannet (*Morus bassanus*)

> The northern gannet (Morus bassanus) is a heavy seabird that plunge-dives from great height into North Atlantic fish shoals. Adults weigh about 3 kg, nest in vast cliff colonies from Canada to Norway, and are listed Least Concern.

- **Category:** Bird
- **Conservation status (IUCN):** Least Concern
- **Range:** North Atlantic cliffs from Canada to Scotland and Norway.
- **Canonical page:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/northern-gannet/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Scientific classification

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Chordata
- **Class:** Aves
- **Order:** Suliformes
- **Family:** Sulidae
- **Genus:** Morus

## Facts at a glance

| Attribute | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Scientific name | Morus bassanus |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Habitat | Coastal cliffs and open ocean |
| Lifespan | 20–25 years |
| Weight | 2.5–3.5 kg |
| Top speed | up to 65 km/h |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |

## Spear-like plunge diver

Gannets fold wings and strike the sea from 10–30 m, using air sacs under the skin to cushion impact. Adults are white with black wingtips and a golden head wash; juveniles are dark brown.

## Pursuit of pelagic fish

Mackerel, herring, sand eels, and other schooling fish are taken underwater after the plunge. Birds may form large feeding flocks over productive upwellings.

## Atlantic cliff cities

Breeding colonies crowd sea cliffs from Maritime Canada and Scotland to Norway — Bass Rock and Bonaventure Island are famous. Non-breeders roam the open North Atlantic year-round.

## Fisheries and plastic risk

Least Concern with millions of pairs globally. Bycatch in nets, oil pollution, and ingested plastic still kill birds, but populations remain large and widespread.

## Frequently asked questions

### How deep can gannets dive?

After plunging, they swim underwater to roughly 15 m pursuing fish.

### Why do gannets nest on cliffs?

Steep sites reduce predation from foxes and gulls while giving launch points over the sea.

### What is the largest gannet colony?

Bass Rock in Scotland and Bonaventure Island in Quebec host tens of thousands of pairs.

### How do juvenile gannets differ from adults?

Young birds are dark brown for several years before acquiring adult white plumage.

### Do northern gannets migrate?

They disperse widely on the North Atlantic after breeding rather than following a single narrow migration route.

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Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/northern-gannet/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.