Australasian Gannet vs Great Cormorant

Australasian Gannet and Great Cormorant differ notably in size and plumage. Gannets are larger with striking white bodies and black wingtips, while cormorants are mostly dark. Both species are seabirds but have distinct behaviors and habitats.

1. Look for the size difference: Gannets are larger with longer wings. 2. Check plumage: Gannets have a distinctive white body with black wingtips, while cormorants are mostly dark. 3. Observe behavior: Gannets dive from heights, cormorants dive from the water surface. 4. Consider habitat: Gannets are more likely offshore, cormorants can be inland.

The Australasian Gannet is larger, with a wingspan up to 2 meters, compared to the Great Cormorant's wingspan of about 1.6 meters.

Australasian Gannet has a white body with black wingtips and a yellowish head, whereas the Great Cormorant is predominantly dark with a white throat patch during breeding season.

Gannets are plunge divers, often seen diving from heights to catch fish, while cormorants are surface divers, swimming low in the water and diving to catch fish.

Australasian Gannets are typically found in coastal and offshore waters, nesting on cliffs or islands. Great Cormorants are more versatile, found in both coastal and inland waters, often seen perched on rocks or trees.

Gannets are generally silent at sea but can be noisy at colonies. Great Cormorants are also relatively silent but may produce guttural calls at breeding sites.