Gannets and Boobies (Sulidae)

Northern Gannet (Sula bassana) - HBW 1, p. 323

French: Fou de Bassan German: Baßtölpel Spanish: Alcatraz Atlántico
Other common names: (North) Atlantic Gannet

Taxonomy: Pelecanus Bassanus Linnaeus, 1758, Bass Rock, E Scotland.
Considered by some to form superspecies with S. capensis and S. serrator; others regard these two as subspecies of S. bassana; all three sometimes partitioned off in genus Morus (see page 312). Monotypic.

Distribution: Breeds both sides of Atlantic, 48° - 66° N on eastern side, reaching 72° N in Norway; more restricted on western side, 46° - 50° N. Winters S down coasts, some reaching equator.