Name
Cape Gannet
Latin Name
Morus capensis - formerly Sula capensis
Family
Sulidae
Length
84 - 94 cm
Habitat
Cape Gannets breed on islands off the coast of Namibia and South Africa with the largest colony found on Malgas Island
Migration
Young birds seen from December to May migrate during the winter months up the east and west coasts.
Bird Call
The voice of a Cape Gannet is a loud raucous 'kara-kara-kara-kara'.
Number of chicks
The Cape Gannet only has 1 chick
Breeding
The single Cape Gannet egg is incubated by the birds' feet. It is initially bluish-white but later becomes dirty and covered in guano.
Immature Description
Immatures all-dark initially, heavily spotted and speckled all over, body, head and neck, becoming white in that sequence.
Adult Description
Unmistakable, large black and white seabird with yellow head and hind neck, at close range with distinctive black lines on bill and face, plus a long black line down centre of throat. The Cape Gannet is a large white marine bird with long wings, completely webbed toes and pointed bill; nostrils not visible; tail feather not so stiff as in Cormorants and Pelicans.
Status
The Cape Gannet is a common or locally abundant resident.
Distribution
The Cape Gannet is a common off-shore species, resident throughout the year on the west and southern coasts. Found in coastal waters throughout the year as far as 160 kms offshore.
