Northern Gannet, immature |
General Description: Northern Gannets (Morus bassanus) are large, stocky seabirds with heavy bills, bare faces, and big feet. The body is white, and the wing tips (primary feathers) are black. In season, the top of the head is reddish-orange. Juveniles are dark overall with a white rump, attaining more white as they age.
Taxonomy: Suliformes, Sulidae
Favored Habitat: Open ocean with lots of fish to eat.
Where to Find: Don't look for Northern Gannets around Las Vegas. Rather, look for them off the east coast of North America (northwest Atlantic).
Comments: This bird was photographed at a rehab facility near Dunedin, Florida. |