The Northern Gannet is the largest seabird in the North Atlantic, plunging from heights of up to 100 feet into the sea at 60 mph to catch fish. Its skull is reinforced and has air-sac cushioning to withstand the repeated impact. Massive breeding colonies on rocky cliffs number in the tens of thousands of pairs, creating one of the great wildlife spectacles of the North Atlantic.
Best time to see a Northern Gannet
The best time to see a Northern Gannet is November–March, when about 64% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 4,556 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Northern Gannet? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Northern Gannet sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Northern Gannet? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Northern Gannet is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love birds? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.