Northern Gannet

Seen one? Add it to your free UK BirdedexHear its song and see the mapFree, no app download. Uncommon bird: +3 points when you log it.

Habitat and behaviour

Habitat: Sea-cliffs, open sea.
Diet: Fish (mackerel, herring).
Best time to spot: Plunge-dives from 30m.

When to look

Resident in the UK, so it can be found year-round. Numbers peak in May. See the May birding guide for what else is about. More on the season in British seabirds.

Taller bars mean more birds about. Grey means it is usually absent.

How rare is it?

The Northern Gannet sits in our Uncommon tier for the UK: regular, but you usually need the right place or the right season. It is Amber-listed in Birds of Conservation Concern 5, the middle level of concern in the UK.

Where to see it

Reserves where the Northern Gannet is on the list:

• RSPB Bempton Cliffs

Recent UK sightings

Similar birds

• White-throated NeedletailLegendary · Open sky
• Green WoodpeckerUncommon · Parkland
• Northern FulmarUncommon · Sea-cliffs
• Northern RavenUncommon · Mountains
• Northern WheatearUncommon · Open uplands
• Peregrine FalconUncommon · Cliffs

Kit that helps

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