628 THE BOBBY GANNET. 



THE GANNET, SOLAN GOOSE, or SPECTACLED GOOSE, is a well-known resident on the 

 northern European coasts, its chief home being the Bass Rock in the Frith of Forth, on 

 which it congregates in vast numbers. 



The Gannet is a large bird, nearly three feet long ; and being powerful on the wing, and 

 possessed of a large appetite, it makes great havoc among the fish which it devours. Herrings, 

 pilchards, sprats, and similar fish are the favorite food of the Gannet, and as soon as the 

 shoals of herrings approach the coast, the Gannets assemble in flocks and indicate to the 

 fishermen the presence and position of the fish. 



GANNET, OR SOLAN GOOSE. Sula bassana. 



THE GANNET (Sula bassana) is not unlike a goose, but has a longer and stouter neck, and 

 bill of different form. The adult is pure white ; the young, until full grown, are dark speckled 

 gray. The length of body is thirty inches, and extent of wings sixty inches. 



It extends along the Atlantic coast from high latitudes to the Gulf of Mexico, but is not 

 known on the Pacific coast. 



THE well-known BOOBY (Sulafusca), so called from its stupidity when attacked, whether 

 by man or the frigate bird, is closely allied to the gannet. This bird is found in most of the 

 warmer latitudes, settled upon the islands and rocky shores, and catching fish all day for the 

 benefit of the frigate birds who attack and rob it. The color of the Booby is brown above and 

 whitish-gray beneath. 



THE BOOBY GANNET (Sula leucogastra) is much smaller and more active. It inhabits the 

 bays and harbors of the southern coast. It is often seen perching on the buoys of harbors in 

 the warmer latitudes. Blue-faced and Red-footed species are enumerated as American birds. 



