Page 60 - World of Animals - Deadly Predators

NORTHERN GANNET
Morus bassanus Deep dive
Lifespan Average 17 years
Adult weight 2.4-3.6kg
(5.3-7.9lb)
Conservation status
drive-thru

LEAST CONCERN
The gannets’ method of

striking prey is deadly accurate

Much like an arrow, cutting through the air to
pierce a target, some seabirds have adopted
a torpedo technique to spear their prey. From
the east coast of America to the west coast
of Europe, northern gannets are a prime
example of seabirds plunging into open
ocean to find food.
Soaring around 45 kilometres (28 miles)
in the air, gannets are able to spot potential
prey swimming below the sea surface. Having
seen a school of fish, these aerodynamic
birds nosedive towards the waves at speeds
of up to 100 kilometres (62 miles) per hour.
Gathering so much momentum on the way
down, gannets can initially dive down to five
metres (15 feet) below the surface. In a fatal
strike, these birds rarely miss their target and
These arrow-shaped
birds fire into the water at such high speeds – the unsuspecting fish
© Getty too late.
to snatch a quick meal below don’t know what has hit them until it’s

Swimming ATLANTIC PUFFIN © Getty

Fratercula arctica
Lifespan Average 18 years
Adult weight 320-480g
(11-17oz)
with wings Conservation status

VULNERABLE

Unlike the striking power of arrow-
like gannets, some seabirds prefer the
thrill of the chase. The humble Atlantic
puffin may not seem like much of a
predator at first glance, but thanks to
their fast nature and almost amphibious
behaviour, these birds are a deadly
Puffins are
threat if you’re a fish. Reaching around
able to hold
88 kilometres (55 miles) per hour during their entire
flight, these agile birds have taken catch of the
day in their
their piloting prowess to the waves and mouths
use their wings to propel themselves
through the water. Once in sight of
their prey, these feathered torpedoes
can swipe around ten fish at one time
and hold them in their large beaks. It’s
even been reported that some can hold
as many as 60 small fish in a single
hunt. To get their catch of the day
safely within their grasp, the puffin’s Like marine torpedoes,
puffins use their wings
jaw contains throat-facing spines called © Thinkstock to propel them through
denticles, which prevent fish from the water
escaping their tight grip.

60 60