Gannet

Morus bassanus

These are large to very large seabirds, with long, tapered bodies, long, angular, pointed wings, pointed tails and dagger-like, pointed bills.

They feed by diving into the sea for fish. Only one species is regularly seen in the UK but a few other kinds are found, mostly in tropical seas, around the world.

Most are largely white, with black on the wings, but one species is mostly dark brown. They breed in colonies on cliffs and islands, some tropical species nesting in trees.

How to be responsible when watching wildlife >

Book your opportunity to see this wildlife

Aspen Outdoors Ltd

Hiking holidays in Scotland, Guided Mountain and Canoe adventures, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Expeditions and Outdoor Training. At Aspen Outdoor...
Read more >

Speyside Wildlife - Wildlife Identification Training

If you’ve always wanted to know what the bird calls are that you hear whilst out walking in our Scottish National Parks, or to feel confident that...
Read more >

Islay Encounters

The Isle of Islay is probably better known for its distinctive single malt whiskies, and rightly so, but whisky aside this beautiful island has so...
Read more >

Islay Sea Adventures

Islay Sea Adventures offers a unique way to explore Islay through our wide variety of trips. • Wildlife and Sight-Seeing • Fishing • Luxury Day Tri...
Read more >

Edinburgh Boat Charters

Skippered yacht charters on the Firth of Forth and from Dunstaffnage Marina on the West Coast of Scotland. Edinburgh Boat Charters offer a number o...
Read more >

Speyside Wildlife

Speyside Wildlife was established in the Cairngorms National Park in 1991 and offers wildlife watching and birdwatching holidays, guided days out a...
Read more >

Mara Adventures

Join Mara Adventures this summer and explore the majesty of the Atlantic Ocean. Freediving is one of the most ancient practices in the world, the a...
Read more >

Summit to Sea Adventures

Summit to Sea Adventures offers all year round immersive kayaking, walking, and history experiences across Orkney, in both English and Dutch. Wheth...
Read more >

Seafari Adventures (Oban) Ltd.

Seafari Adventures are a 5* Visit Scotland marine wildlife tour operator. Based in the conservation area of Easdale, 16 miles south of Oban we have...
Read more >

Shetland Seabird Tours - Noss Boat

Come and experience one of Europe’s finest marine wildlife spectacles, with the sight, smell and sound of over 25,000 northern gannets lining the t...
Read more >
1 2 3

discover more about gannet

Binoculars Icon Blue
When to see

They can be seen from February to October when they spend their time close to shore for raising chicks and gather in colonies.

Map Icon Blue
Where to see

They can seen along the coasts nesting on cliffs in colonies. The East Coast and the Islands of Scotland are great viewing of Gannets.

Book Icon Blue
Did you know?

Gannets are our largest sea birds.

Dolphin Icon Blue
Related species

Eider Duck Great Skua

Binoculars Icon Blue
When to see

They can be seen from February to October when they spend their time close to shore for raising chicks and gather in colonies.

Map Icon Blue
Where to see

They can seen along the coasts nesting on cliffs in colonies. The East Coast and the Islands of Scotland are great viewing of Gannets.

Book Icon Blue
Did you know?

Gannets are our largest sea birds.

Dolphin Icon Blue
Related species

Eider Duck Great Skua

Binoculars Icon Blue
When to see

They can be seen from February to October when they spend their time close to shore for raising chicks and gather in colonies.

Map Icon Blue
Where to see

They can seen along the coasts nesting on cliffs in colonies. The East Coast and the Islands of Scotland are great viewing of Gannets.

Book Icon Blue
Did you know?

Gannets are our largest sea birds.

Dolphin Icon Blue
Related species

Eider Duck Great Skua