The gannet is a member of the Booby family which consists of tropical birds, and is related to the families of shags, pelicans, and frigate birds. There are three sub-species of gannet which are situated in the temperate regions of the world.
Although the Australiasian gannet is the smallest of the three sub-species, adults have a wing-span of up to 2 m and an average weight of 2 kg. The average lifespan of the gannet which is estimated at between 25-40 years.
Gannets do not migrate. Their chicks disperse to the eastern coasts of Australia where, with some exceptions, they remain for 2 1/2 - 3 1/2 years until they become adults. They then return to and remain in New Zealand. The gannet mortality rate between these two Tasman Sea crossing is between 20-30%.
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