Gannet (Morus bassanus)
The Gannet is the largest seabird around Iceland. It is often called the queen of the Atlantic Ocean because of its elegance. Gannets nest in colonies on rocky islands and cliffs in few places in Iceland. There are two colonies in the northern part of Iceland, Rauðinúpur and Skoruvíkurbjarg. Gannets feed on small fish, which it catches by plunging into the ocean at high speed.
Gannets can go quite long distance foraging and are common in Skjálfandi bay. Nearest colony is Rauðinúpur at the tip of Melrakkaslétta peninsula, 50 – 70 km away.