Gannet

/ˈɡænɪt/ noun

Definition

A large white seabird with black wing tips that dives dramatically into the ocean to catch fish.

Etymology

From Old English gānot or gænet, of disputed origin; possibly from Proto-Germanic *gans- (goose) or from an onomatopoetic root mimicking the bird's harsh calls. The word has remained relatively unchanged for over 1,000 years.

Kelly Says

Gannets have the most impressive diving technique in the bird world—they can spot fish from 130 feet in the air and hit the water at 60 mph without getting injured because their sinuses contain air sacs that absorb the impact like built-in shock absorbers!

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