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Muriwai Beach, New Zealand - November 2005
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| Australasian Gannet is the least common of all the Gannets, with a total population of about 53000 pairs. |
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Muriwai Beach, New Zealand - November 2005
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| It is found along the coasts of south-east Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand where it typically breeds on offshore islets. |
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Australasian Gannet (Morus serrator) colony - Muriwai Beach, New Zealand - November 2005
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Muriwai Beach, New Zealand - November 2005
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| When a bird lands at its nest, it greets its partner with a ritualised bill-fencing display (above left) and an intertwining of necks (above right). Gannets usually mate for life and this display is important in strengthening the pair-bond. A similar display is also used as a prelude to mating... |
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Muriwai Beach, New Zealand - November 2005
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