Cape Gannet
Morus capensis
Conservation Status
EndangeredAves · Suliformes · Sulidae
About
The Cape gannet (Morus capensis) is a large seabird of the gannet family, Sulidae. They are easily identified by their large size, black and white plumage and distinctive yellow crown and hindneck. The pale blue bill is pointed with fine serrations near the tip; perhaps because of the depth and speed of the gannet's dive when fishing (depending on altitude, gannets hit the water at speeds of between 40 and 86 km/h (25 and 53 mph)), its beak has no external nostrils into which the water might be forced.
Fun Fact
The most ancient extant species may be the Abbott's booby, possibly the sole survivor of an otherwise extinct separate lineage.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Occurred; the original data placed the bird inland, in Chad, with the offshore Western Saharan location being the result of an attempt to correct this to a more plausible location.
Diet
Carnivore
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Loss
- Poaching and Hunting
- Human-Wildlife Conflict
- Disease