Morus capensis
The majestic Cape Gannet, *Morus capensis*, is a large, distinctive seabird immediately identifiable by its dazzling white plumage contrasted with striking black primary and secondary flight feathers and a unique black tail. Adults possess an unmistakable golden-yellow wash over their head and hindneck, a pale blue-grey bill, and prominent black skin patches around the eyes and at the base of the bill, giving them a perpetually serious expression. Measuring 84-94 cm in length with an impressi...
Primarily found in cold, nutrient-rich coastal and offshore marine environments, breeding exclusively on remote rocky islands and mainland cliffs at sea level. Outside the breeding season, they are pelagic, spending most of their time at sea.
Feeds almost exclusively on pelagic schooling fish such as sardines, anchovies, and mackerel, occasionally supplementing with squid, obtained through spectacular plunge-diving.
Cape Gannets are diurnal birds, actively foraging during daylight hours and roosting at their dense colonies or on the open ocean. Their most remarkable behavior is their high-speed plunge-diving, where they fold their wings and dive headfirst from heights of up to 30 meters, reaching speeds of 1...
The Cape Gannet's breeding range is highly restricted, confined to just six islands and two mainland sites off the coast of South Africa and Namibia. Key breeding colonies include Malgas Island, Lambert's Bay, and Bird Island (Algoa Bay) in South Africa, and Mercury, Ichaboe, and Possession Islan...
Endangered
- Cape Gannets can fold their wings back in a fraction of a second just before impact during their high-speed dives, protecting them from injury. - Their specialized air sacs, located in their face and chest, act like airbags, cushioning the extreme impact of their dives, which can be from height...