Northern Gannet vs Australasian Gannet

In short

The Northern Gannet and Australasian Gannet are similar large seabirds with striking white plumage and black wingtips, but they can be distinguished by their geographic range and subtle plumage differences. Both species have similar behaviors and habitats, making location a key factor in identification.

Identification tips

• Location: Northern Gannets are in the North Atlantic; Australasian Gannets are in the southern oceans.
• Head Color: Look for a more pronounced yellowish hue on the head of Northern Gannets during the breeding season.
• Plumage: Both have white bodies with black wingtips, but subtle differences in head coloration can help.
• Behavior and Size: Similar in both species; rely on location and subtle plumage differences.

Size

Both species are large seabirds with similar size and structure, making size an unreliable distinguishing feature.

Plumage

Both species have predominantly white plumage with black wingtips. The Northern Gannet typically has a more pronounced yellowish hue on the head, especially during the breeding season, while the Australasian Gannet may show less yellow.

Behaviour

Both species exhibit similar plunge-diving foraging behavior and colonial nesting habits. Behavioral differences are minimal and not useful for field identification.

Habitat

Northern Gannets are found in the North Atlantic, while Australasian Gannets inhabit the southern oceans around Australia and New Zealand. Geographic location is a primary distinguishing factor.

Voice

Vocalizations are not notably different between the two species and are not a reliable field mark.