A young Australasian Gannet about 6-8 weeks old relaxes on the rough terrain of the high cliffs at the Cape Kidnappers colony in Hawkes Bay on the North Island of New Zealand. This is the largest Australasian Gannet colony in the world, and visitors to Cape Kidnappers have a spectacular view of the nesting and breeding grounds where the females tend to their young.
A single egg is laid which the female and male both incubate at different times for about 42-44 days when it is then transferred to the top of the adult's feet. After hatching, the young chick is fed by regurgitation by both parents who take turns in gathering food and guarding the nest.
Blanketed in a soft and fluffy white plumage, the young chicks will eventually lose this look as they mature. The mother Australasian Gannet will feed, clean and show their young the techniques to survival and in about 3 1/2 months, they are ready to take flight on their own.
Young Australasian Gannet, Morus serrator, (6-8 weeks old) at Cape Kidnappers, Hawkes Bay, East Coast, North Island, New Zealand.
Picture: "Young Australasian Gannet Cape Kidnappers New Zealand"
Photographer: Rolf Hicker Photography
Photo Name: nzk3s16187 - Young Australasian Gannet Cape Kidnappers New Zealand
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