Red-throated Diver (Gavia stellata) Bird Information
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
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 |