Gannet
Morus bassanus
Wingspan 165-180cm

Largest British seabird. Distinctive flight silhouette with long, narrow wings and cigar shaped body. Adult recognised by pure white body with black wing tips. Juvenile has dark brown plumage speckled with white dots. Acquires white adult plumage with successive moults over subsequent four years. In strong winds, glides on stiffly held wings but in calm conditions uses deep, powerful wingbeats. Breeds colonially on inaccessible cliffs or rocky islands. Easiest colonies to visit are Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire and Bass Rock. Otherwise, invariably seen at sea. In good feeding areas, groups of birds plunge-dive after fish.