- Morus bassanus
Identification
Young birds are dark brown in their first year, and gradually acquire more white in subsequent seasons until they reach maturity after five years.
87-100 cm long and have a 165-180 cm wingspan. White plumage with black wing tips, light blue bill and eye surrounded by bare, black skin. During breeding, the head and neck are brushed in a pale yellow.
Distribution
Taxonomy
Habitat
Isolated stacks or remote islands, sometimes on mainland cliffs. At sea when not breeding, over continental shelf. Occasionally on large inland waters as a result of severe weather.
Behaviour
Diet includes small fish.
They normally nest in large colonies, on cliffs overlooking the ocean or on small rocky islands.
