Red-throated Diver (Gavia stellata) Bird Information

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Red-throated diver is the smallest of the divers and generally the most widespread and numerous throughout the year. Breeds on small lakes, usually within flighting distance of sea. Winters in coastal waters, often in loose flocks. Thin, uptilted bill. Pale grey crown and rust-red throat in summer. In pale grey or brown back, spotted white. like other divers, red-throated diver flies fast on long, pointed wings with head and neck drooping.

Status: Scarce but widespread breeder in northern and western Scotland and north-western Ireland. Winters along all shores.

Similar Species: Black-throated Diver and Great Northern Diver. All divers similar in winter, though Red-throated paler; smaller size distinguishes throughout year.

Red-throated diver bird facts

Type duck-like
Size 53-59 cm. (22 in.)
Habitat freshwater, sea
Behaviour swims, dives from surface, takes off and lands on water
Flocking summer solitary; small flocks winter
Flight strong and powerful; direct
Voice harsh kuk-kuk-kuk-kuk in flight; wails and cackles in breeding season

Bird Identification

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Ad.summer
Crown Pale grey
Upperparts brown
Rump brown
Tail brown; short and pointed
Throat rust-red
Breast white
Belly white
Bill black; short, thin, uplifted
Legs black; short
Ad.winter white head and throat; grey cap; pale grey black-spotted white; grey bill
Juvenile as Ad.winter, darker back

Red-throated Diver Breeding

Nest scrap at water’s edge
Eggs 2; olive buff-blotched black
Incubation 24-29 days
Young active, downy
Fledging 6 weeks
Broods 1; May-September
Food fish, amphibians
Population 750+ pairs; 12,000+ winter