Soaring high above the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean, the Atlantic gannet (Morus bassanus) is a picture of avian elegance and power. With its streamlined body, long, slender wings, and sharp, spear-like bill, this magnificent seabird is perfectly adapted for its life at sea. Renowned for its spectacular plunge dives, the Atlantic gannet can reach speeds of up to 75 miles per hour as it plummets into the water in pursuit of unsuspecting fish.

A Coastal Dweller

Atlantic gannets are primarily found in the North Atlantic Ocean, breeding in colonies on rocky islands and cliffs along the coasts of North America and Europe. These colonies can be incredibly large, with some numbering in the hundreds of thousands of individuals. The largest gannet colony in the world is located on Bass Rock, an island off the coast of Scotland, which is home to over 200,000 breeding pairs.

A Master of the Deep

Atlantic gannets are exceptional divers, using their powerful wings to propel themselves