Gannet Colony in New Zealand 2024-2025
Gannet couples demonstrate a strong sense of paternal responsibility fighting for the right to hatch their single egg
Best time: mid-October–April
Gannets are crazy about breeding their chicks. Starting from October two vertical-sided islands towering from the sea within Muriwai Regional Park turn into gannet colony. Virtually 1,200 bird couples entirely occupy the planes. Each pair of these huge white-feathered seabirds has a single egg to protect and there is no concord between the parents concerning the distribution of their paternal responsibilities. The area bursts into comical fighting cries when gannet pairs sit side by side trying to take control over the egg.
Entertaining disputes of the avian families might be observed during the gannets' breeding season, namely between October and April. Another place to watch this bird show is at Cape Kidnappers.
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