Cape gannet courtship ritual. Pair of Cape gannets (Morus capensis) performing a ritualised courtship behaviour. This behaviour, where the bills of th

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Cape gannet courtship ritual. Pair of Cape gannets (Morus capensis) performing a ritualised courtship behaviour. This behaviour, where the bills of the birds are raised and touching, is performed when the female is selecting a male to breed with. The male will also attempt to attract the female by calling, and shaking and bowing his head. Cape gannets breed in large colonies (gannetries) on flat ground or rocky ledges in southern Africa and in parts of Australia. The male and the female cooperate in nest-building and in raising their single chick, as well as defending the nest territory. Photographed on Malgas Island, South Africa.

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Size: 3055px × 4572px
Photo credit: © GEORGETTE DOUWMA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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