Northern Gannet

Morus bassanus


HOW TO IDENTIFY:

* Length: 31 inches Wingspan: 70 inches
* Sexes similar
* Pelagic bird only coming ashore to breed
* Large bird that dives for fish from air
* Takes 4 years to reach adult plumage
* Largest booby

Adult

* White head, body, tail, and inner wings
* Yellowish wash on head
* Black outer wing
* Large, gray, pointed bill
* Gray legs and feet

Immature

* Dark brown plumage
* White patches appearing as the bird ages

Similar species:

The Northern Gannet is by far the most common booby from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. It is identifiable at great distances by its plunge-diving behavior and large size. The adults are easy to separate from other white boobies by the lack of black on the inner wings. Immatures can be confused with other immature boobies but typically lack white patches on the rump or upper back until they also have white heads.