Australasian Gannet soaring above the ocean, Muriwai, New Zealand

Australasian Gannets are expert fishers. Birds soar 10 m or more above the surface of the water, herding fish into dense shoals, then fold their wings back and dive into the water to catch their prey. The fish are grasped with the aid of small backward-pointing serrations along the edges of the bill. A bird only stays under the water for about ten seconds, but the fish is normally swallowed before the bird reaches the surface. Here, an Australian Gannet soars above the ocean at Muriwai, New Zealand.

Add to Cart Add to Lightbox

Filename: Australasian Gannet 32_H7C9187.jpg
Copyright: Kimball Chen
Image Size: 4667x3111 / 5.7MB; www.keaphotography.org; Australasian Gannet gannet Pelecaniformes Morus serrator takapu Muriwai New Zealand bird wildlife flight wing span colony ocean
Contained in galleries: Showcase of New Zealand Wildlife Photography, Australasian Gannet Pictures - Photos

Australasian Gannets are expert fishers. Birds soar 10 m or more above the surface of the water, herding fish into dense shoals, then fold their wings back and dive into the water to catch their prey. The fish are grasped with the aid of small backward-pointing serrations along the edges of the bill. A bird only stays under the water for about ten seconds, but the fish is normally swallowed before the bird reaches the surface. Here, an Australian Gannet soars above the ocean at Muriwai, New Zealand.