Northern Gannet vs Brandt's Cormorant

In short

The Northern Gannet and Brandt's Cormorant are both large seabirds, but they can be distinguished by their plumage and habitat preferences. Northern Gannets are predominantly white with black wingtips, while Brandt's Cormorants are dark with a distinctive cobalt blue gular pouch during the breeding season.

Identification tips

1. Look for the white body and black wingtips of the Northern Gannet, especially in flight. 2. Note the dark plumage and cobalt blue gular pouch of Brandt's Cormorant during the breeding season. 3. Consider the habitat: Northern Gannets are typically offshore in the Atlantic, while Brandt's Cormorants are coastal along the Pacific.

Size

Northern Gannets are larger and more robust than Brandt's Cormorants.

Plumage

Northern Gannets have a striking white body with black wingtips, whereas Brandt's Cormorants are uniformly dark with a cobalt blue gular pouch visible during breeding.

Behaviour

Both species are colonial nesters, but Northern Gannets are known for their spectacular plunge-diving for fish, while Brandt's Cormorants forage by diving from the surface.

Habitat

Northern Gannets are found in the North Atlantic, often far from shore, while Brandt's Cormorants are restricted to the West Coast of North America, frequenting marine and estuarine environments.