Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus)

Northern Gannets are members of the booby family (Sulidae) and are commonly found along the NC Outer Banks in the winter.
Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus)

Adult Nothern Gannets are usually seen as distant white birds offshore with black wingtips and whose overall shape is long and pointed at all 4 tips.

Dare Co., NC, 4 March 2006
Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus)

Northern Gannet

Off Hatteras, NC, 5 March 2006
Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus)

Adults have a yellowish wash on their heads.

Off Hatteras, NC, 5 March 2006
Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus)

Northern Gannets have to take a few steps on top of the water to get airborne.

Off Hatteras, NC, 5 March 2006
Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus)

Off Hatteras, NC, 5 March 2006

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Created on ... March 11, 2006 | Updated on ... March 11, 2006 | jspippen@duke.edu