2013 Bonanza Bird #25: Northern Gannet

July 25, 2013 in Birdorable Bonanza 2013 with 5 comments

We're adding new birds each day until we reach our 500th Birdorable species! Today's Bonanza bird is the Northern Gannet.

The Northern Gannet is a large species of seabird found around northern waters of the Atlantic Ocean. They breed off of North America and Europe.

Northern Gannet by Amy Evenstad (your blogger)

Northern Gannets feed in a spectacular fashion. They dive into the water to catch fish. A Northern Gannet may begin its dive from over 100 feet above the water, tucking their wings back and aiming down headfirst. They may reach speeds of 60 mph before hitting the water and diving down 15 feet or more. Once caught, the prey of the Northern Gannet is always consumed underwater.

Tomorrow's new bird is a very colorful European breeder that has a special fondness for a certain family of insects.

Comments

Molly Merula on July 26, 2013 at 9:54 AM wrote:

A European Bee-Eater! : D

Jays and Kestrels on September 10, 2013 at 7:44 PM wrote:

An ovenbird!!!

Louise Warner on February 23, 2017 at 4:18 PM wrote:

bee eaters rock!

Spurwing Plover on May 8, 2022 at 7:33 AM wrote:

HERE COMES THE GANNET,HE'S FROM A ANOTHER PLANET,HE CAME TO US,RODE ON A BUS,AND HIS FISH HE CANS IT

Spurwing Plover on June 14, 2022 at 4:06 AM wrote:

The European Bee Eater just eats those European Bees

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