Northern Gannet look-alikes
Morus bassanus
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Open the appSeveral birds can be mistaken for the Northern Gannet. Compare the key differences below to confirm your sighting.
Birds to compare
Cape Gannet
Morus capensis
Key differences
Found in southern Africa. Adults have a black tail (Northern Gannet has a white tail), a longer black stripe on the throat, and a more extensive black area on the primaries. Juveniles are also darker overall.
Australasian Gannet
Morus serrator
Key differences
Found in Australia and New Zealand. Adults have a black tail and a black stripe on the throat. The black on the wingtips is more extensive than in the Northern Gannet.
Masked Booby
Sula dactylatra
Key differences
Found in tropical oceans. Smaller than a gannet, with a darker face ('mask'), a yellow bill, and a white tail. Its flight is less powerful and more buoyant than a gannet's.
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