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 Northern Gannet Sula bassana L 92, W 175. Breeds on almost inaccessible precipitous rocky islands on Atlantic coasts, in immense colonies. Isolated colony on coast of NE England. Britain harbours the greater part of the world population, which has steadily increased over recent decades. Winters at sea. Very occasionally blown inland after severe autumn/winter storms. Long pointed wings, long wedge-shaped tail. White with black wingtips and yellowish-buff head. Immature is brown-speckled, acquires adult plumage by stages over 4-5 years. During the second autumn the head, belly and leading edges of the wings are pale. In the third autumn the first white secondaries appear interspersed among the remaining dark ones, and the crown and nape acquire the adult's yellowish tone. During the fourth autumn, dark central tail feathers and dark secondaries scattered among the new white ones are usually visible. Catches fish by vertical dives of up to c.40 m height like a gigantic tern, but usually completely disappears under the water /folds back wings on entry). On migration they fly close to the surface of the water, often in a line. Wingbeats vigorous but measured, gliding phases short. In stormy weather Gannets sweep up above the waves and down again like shearwaters, so that immatures can then be confused with, e.g. Cory's Shearwater. At breeding site makes loud gurgling calls. RS
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