Australasian Gannet is the least common of all the Gannets, with a total population of about 53000 pairs.
It is found along the coasts of south-east Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand where it typically breeds on offshore islets. The colony at Muriwai Beach on North Island, New Zealand (below) is one of only 3 colonies found on the New Zealand mainland. 99% of the New Zealand population nests on small islets in the coastal waters of North Island.
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When a bird lands at its nest, it greets its partner with a ritualised bill-fencing display (above left) and an intertwining of necks (above right). Gannets usually mate for life and this display is important in strengthening the pair-bond. A similar display is also used as a prelude to mating...
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