Gannet

The northern gannet is the largest seabird in the North Atlantic.
It ranges from the eastern coast of Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, and from the coasts of Europe to northern Africa.
The most important nesting ground for this species is the United Kingdom, with about two-thirds of the world's population.

The Cape gannet lives along the coast of western and southern Africa.

The Australasian gannet lives along the coasts of southern Australia, New Zealand, and other surrounding islands.

The name "gannet" comes from Old English and means "strong or masculine".

The northern gannet is the most widespread and abundant species, with about two-thirds of the world’s population breeding in the United Kingdom.

The Cape gannet and the Australasian gannet are restricted to the temperate seas around southern Africa, southern Australia, and New Zealand.

These birds don't have external nostrils; they are located inside the mouth instead.

They also have air sacs under the skin that cushion the impact with the water.

Gannets can reach speeds of 100 km/h (60 mph) as they strike the water, and can dive up to 22 m (72 ft) deep.

They have binocular vision, which helps them judge distances accurately.

Gannets have a buff tinge on their head and neck that is more prominent in breeding season.

They take five years to reach maturity, and go through several colour changes from black to white.