Manx Shearwater vs Northern Gannet

In short

Manx Shearwater and Northern Gannet are both seabirds but differ significantly in appearance and behavior. The Manx Shearwater is a small, agile bird with a dark upper body and white underparts, while the Northern Gannet is much larger, predominantly white with black wingtips, and known for its dramatic plunge-diving feeding technique.

Identification tips

1. Size: Northern Gannets are much larger than Manx Shearwaters. 2. Plumage: Look for the contrasting dark and light pattern of the Manx Shearwater versus the mostly white plumage with black wingtips of the Northern Gannet. 3. Behavior: Note the agile flight of the Manx Shearwater compared to the dramatic plunge-diving of the Northern Gannet. 4. Habitat: Consider the location; Manx Shearwaters are more likely found in open ocean waters, while Northern Gannets are associated with cliffs and rocky islands.

Size

The Northern Gannet is significantly larger than the Manx Shearwater, with a wingspan over twice as long.

Plumage

Manx Shearwater has a contrasting dark upper body and white underparts, whereas the Northern Gannet is mostly white with black wingtips and a distinctive yellowish head in adults.

Behaviour

Manx Shearwaters are known for their agile flight and surface feeding, while Northern Gannets are famous for their high-speed plunge-diving to catch fish.

Habitat

Manx Shearwaters are often found in open ocean waters and coastal areas, nesting in burrows on islands. Northern Gannets breed in large colonies on cliffs and rocky islands and forage over wide areas of the ocean.

Voice

Manx Shearwaters have a distinctive, eerie call often heard at night near breeding colonies. Northern Gannets are generally silent at sea but can be noisy at breeding sites.