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Story: Gannets and boobies

Courtship rituals

Courtship rituals

Gannets conduct a distinctive mating display. The two birds bow, point their heads skywards and preen each other. They usually form lifelong pairs and begin breeding at four or five years of age.

About this item

Department of Conservation
Reference: 10038406
Photograph by Rod Morris

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How to cite this page:

Maggy Wassilieff. 'Gannets and boobies', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 24-Sep-11
URL: http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/gannets-and-boobies/2/2