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Gannet: Preening, Muriwai
Birds, sea & shore: Gannet: Preening, Muriwai
Morus serrator, or takapu. It's vital to keep those feathers in good order and well-oiled, especially as gannets can hit the water at up to 145 km/h when they're diving for fish. Inflatable air sacs in the chest take much of the shock and the wings are folded right back for entry. About 89 cm long.

December 2001