Page 39 - World of Animals - Issue #41

Top 10 Extreme Animal Survivors

Gannet

Seabirds that survive terrifying dive bombs

While the term ‘gannet’ often refers to someone who scoffs
an excessive amount of food in a short amount of time, these
mighty sea birds are more than mere gluttons. As the UK’s
largest sea bird, it’s true that gannets are capable of eating
large quantities of fish. However, it’s the method they use
to catch their prey that means they should be considered
among nature’s most extreme survivors.
Gannets hunt by turning their bodies into sleek, seafaring
missiles – once they reach an altitude of 30 metres (98 feet),
the birds angle their bodies downward and dart towards the
water at terrific speed, reaching 97 kilometres (60 miles) per
hour before they hit the surface.
While most birds would be injured by the impact of such
a daring dive, gannets’ faces and chests are equipped with
air sacs that cushion their entry. The extra momentum allows
them to pursue their prey into deeper water than most birds.
“Gannets hunt by turning

their bodies into sleek,
seafaring missiles”

How gannets hunt

The gannet takes to the
skies and flies over water
to look for fish.
Once fish have
been spotted, the
gannet hurtles
beak-first towards
Using the the sea.
momentum from
its aerial nosedive,
the gannet
pursues the
fish underwater
before snatching it
in its large beak.

NORTHERN GANNET
Morus bassanus
Class Aves

Territory Europe and America
Diet Fish
Lifespan 20-35 years
Adult weight 3.6kg (8lb)
Conservation status

LEAST CONCERN

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