Northern Gannet

Look out to sea from Howth for this spectacular plunge-diving fisher. Adults have long white wings with black tips and a flight shape quite different from a gull’s.

A recording has not been added yet. Use the identification notes below for now.

I know this bird · Record a sighting Where to look & how to find it ↓

FIELDCRAFT · FIND WITH CARE

Finding guide

Habitat first

Choose the season, find the habitat, then watch patiently. Search guidance is not a measure of rarity or conservation status.

When to go: Easiest to see from spring to autumn; some remain offshore in winter
Where to start: Watch waters around Ireland’s Eye from Howth’s coastal paths, or scan the sea from safe shore viewpoints around Dublin.
What to do when you arrive: Scan the sea from a safe land viewpoint for long-winged white birds with black wingtips and natural plunge-dives. Keep well away from cliff edges.

Habitat and behaviour reference: BirdWatch Ireland ↗ · The practical steps are editorial advice based on the references, not live sightings.

SPECIES NOTESSpecies notes

How to identify it

Large seabird with long narrow pointed wings, white body, black wingtips, a pale yellow head, long pointed bill and wedge-shaped tail. Young birds are dark and speckled, gradually becoming whiter with age.

Habitat

Inshore and offshore waters, breeding in colonies on islands and sea cliffs.

Behaviour

Spots fish from the air, folds its wings and plunges into the sea. Nests in dense colonies that should be watched from a distance.

When to look

Easiest to see from spring to autumn; some remain offshore in winter

Where to look

Watch waters around Ireland’s Eye from Howth’s coastal paths, or scan the sea from safe shore viewpoints around Dublin.

Reference photos do not show every sex, age, season or geographic form; use the identification notes too.

Recent encounters

0 public sightings

◌

No public sightings yet.
Yours could be the first.