Story: Gannets and boobies

Juvenile gannet

Juvenile gannet

Quite unlike adult gannets in appearance, juveniles are covered in dark brown and white-specked feathers. It takes between two and five years for the young to gain full adult plumage. During this time the skin around the eyes becomes bright blue and the beak changes from brown to steely blue.

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Department of Conservation
Reference: 10043579
Photograph by F. C. Kinsky

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How to cite this page:

Maggy Wassilieff, 'Gannets and boobies - Gannets: description and habitat', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/5821/juvenile-gannet (accessed 27 April 2024)

Story by Maggy Wassilieff, published 12 Jun 2006, reviewed & revised 17 Feb 2015