: Their eyes have structural adaptations that allow them to see clearly underwater almost instantly after they hit the surface. Social Life and "Gannetries"
Gannets are highly social birds that nest in massive, noisy colonies known as gannetries. These colonies, such as the one on Bass Rock in Scotland, can house over 150,000 birds at their peak. Within these crowded cities of feathers, gannets maintain remarkably stable family lives:
: When partners reunite at the nest, they perform a "mutual fencing" ritual, wagging their bills and clacking them together to reestablish their bond.
Australasian Gannet breeding habits in New Zealand - Facebook
The defining characteristic of the gannet is its incredible plunge-diving technique. To catch fish, a gannet can dive from heights of up to 30 meters, reaching speeds of 100 to 120 km/h before piercing the water's surface. Their bodies are built like living torpedoes to survive these high-impact strikes:
: Special air sacs under the skin of their face and chest act as cushions, absorbing the shock of the water.