Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus ) Family Sulidae Lenth 37" Wingspan 72" Weight 6.6 lb (3,000 grams)

This bird is found over open ocean often close to shore and in loose groups. It often rests on water but virtually never rests on land away from its nesting site. Large, angular, and long-winged with pointed head and tail.

Generally silent away from breeding grounds, but in the colony gives a loud, harsh, gurgling call.

It characteristically plunges in spectacular dives straight downward into the water, with almost no splash. It can often be seen in large groups, systematically plunging one after the other after schooling caplin and other food.