The Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus) is Britain’s largest seabird – two thirds of the world’s gannets nest and feed in the UK. These striking, distinctive birds with their white plumage, black tipped wings (their wingspan can reach up to 2 metres) and long, sharp bills are easy to spot as they soar gracefully high above the water looking for fish. Once they spot one, they will dive into the water at speeds of up to 100 km/h when they hit the water and below the surface they will pursue their prey. Most plunge-dives are relatively shallow, but the Northern Gannet can dive as deep as 22 meters (72 feet). The reason gannets can dive into the water at such incredible speeds without injury is that they have facial air sacs that help cushion the impact.
