Northern Gannet - two males fighting to establish

Northern Gannet - two males fighting to establish a breeding site (Morus bassanus). Bonaventure Island, Quebec. Between the ages of 3 to 5 years, a male gannet has to establish a breeding site (usually at the edge of the colong), this often results with confrontations with rivals. Fighting gannets will seize each other by the bill and push with all their strength, alternating with stabbing around the face. These fights can often last more than an hour, and although the gannets may suffer injuries, they are rarely killed. Once a male has establised a breeding site, he will maintain possession through ritual rather than fighting

Attacking Bassanus Beaks Confrontation Dominance Gannet Gannets Morus Social Submissive Territory Touching

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