The Northern Gannet is a large black and white seabird that hunts fish by diving headfirst from heights over 30 meters into the water at speeds over 100 km/h. It lives in northern Atlantic waters and nests in large colonies on sea cliffs, with the largest colony located on St. Kilda in Scotland. Adaptations like no external nostrils, air sacs to cushion impact, and binocular vision help the Northern Gannet efficiently hunt fish by diving deep into the ocean.

1. The Northern Gannet

2. Description
• A huge black and white seabird (80-110cm)
• Hunts for fish by diving headfirst
• Wingspan up to 2 metres!

3. Habitat
• Lives in northern Atlantic
• Nests on sea cliffs
• 2/3 of the world’s population live in the UK
• The largest colony is in St. Kilda in Scotland
with 20% of the world’s population!

4. Nesting Gannets

5. Diving
• Can dive from height of 30m
• Can reach 100km/h as they
hit the water
• Can submerge 20m in a dive
which is deeper than any
other seabird!

6. Adaptations
• They have no external nostrils so they don’t
get water up their noses!
• They have air sacs to cushion the impact with
water
• Their eyes are on the front of their head to
give them binocular vision, allowing them to
judge distance easily

7. Binocular vision