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The northern gannet (Morus bassanus) is a seabird, the largest species of the gannet family, Sulidae. It is native to the coasts of the Atlantic Ocean, breeding in Western Europe and northeastern North America.

Nesting takes place in colonies on both sides of the North Atlantic, the largest of which are at Bass Rock, St. Kilda, and Ailsa Craig in Scotland; Grassholm in Wales; and Bonaventure Island off the coast of Quebec. Colonies are mostly located on offshore islands with cliffs, from which the birds can more easily launch into the air. The northern gannet undertakes seasonal migrations and catches fish (which are the mainstay of its diet) by making high-speed dives into the sea.

The northern gannet was previously hunted for food in certain parts of its range, and although that practice still continues in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland and the Faroe Islands, the bird faces few other natural or man-made threats.Photograph credit: Hobbyfotowiki