The RSPB: Black-throated diver

Black-throated diver

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Latin name

Gavia arctica

Family

Divers (Gaviidae)

Overview

These streamlined diving birds sit low in the water and dive with consummate ease. On land they are clumsy, barely able to walk with their legs so far back on their bodies. They are easily disturbed when breeding and their vulnerability to marine pollution make them a vulnerable as well as rare breeding species.

Where to see them

Scottish Highland lochs in summer and around sheltered coasts in winter, but rarely along Irish Sea coasts. Moray Firth and W coast of Scotland best in winter, as well as the NE and SW coasts of England. Sometimes seen at inland reservoirs.

When to see them

During sumer in Scotland, moving to coasts in early autumn. Look around coasts in winter.

What they eat

Fish

Estimated numbers

Europe	UK breeding*	UK wintering*	UK passage*
51-92,000 pairs	217 pairs	700 birds	-

* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.

Distribution

Key

In the UK: NW Scotland (breeding) and around UK coast (winter)
In Europe: Breeds from Arctic south to UK and winters down to the Mediterranean
Worldwide: Europe and Asia

Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.

Find out more

Videos

Audio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100)