summer adult

summer adult winter adult European distribution adult summer eggs

Identification

In all plumages the Red-throated can be distinguished from other divers by its slimmer profile, generally paler plumage and, particularly, by the way its up-curved bill is usually held pointing upwards. In summer plumage the red colour in its throat patch can be difficult to see but it is the only diver which doesn't have bold pale patches on its upperparts. In flight, as with all divers, the head and neck seem to droop below the level of the body, a feature which is particularly obvious in this species. In summer you have to get very close to see the red colour in its dark throat patch.

Habitat

Breeds on lochs and pools. Winters along coastal waters and occasionally on inland freshwaters.

Behaviour

Displays include bursts of ‘synchronous swimming’ with both members of a pair steaming across the water with their necks outstretched before spinning synchronously in small circles. These displays are accompanied by much calling.

Migration

European populations winter mainly in ice-free coastal waters off Scandinavia and north-west Europe, returning to their breeding sites between April-May.

This information is taken from the BirdFile on the appropriate BirdGuides DVD-ROM. As well as video and sounds, our CD- and DVD-ROMs contain additional text on Voice, Sexing, Ageing, Food, Nests and Eggs and more.

For the purposes of our bird news services, Red-throated Diver is classed as Local: generally fairly regular or common species that a 'county lister' or a birding beginner might be interested in going to see. (Note that rarity levels are currently applied nationally and may not reflect local variations in abundance.)

Dover Hbr, Kent 18/11/2009	Dover Hbr, Kent 18/11/2009	Chard Resr, Somerset 14/11/2009	Musselburgh, Lothian 11/11/2009	Chard Resr, Somerset 07/11/2009
Chard Resr, Somerset 04/11/2009	Chard Resr, Somerset 04/11/2009	Chelmsford, Essex 22/10/2009	Chelmsford, Essex 25/10/2009	Chelmsford, Essex 25/10/2009

 View all pictures of Red-throated Diver

Red-throated Diver breeds in the following countries (Bird News Extra subscribers will see population statistics and information on trends for each country):

Estonia
Faroe Islands
Finland
Greenland
Iceland
Ireland
Norway
Russia
Svalbard
Sweden

Avibirds: Red-throated Loon	Edit this link
	Broken link
BTO BirdFacts: Red-throated Diver	Edit this link
	Broken link
Recommend a new link

BirdGuides Ltd are not responsible for the content of external sites. If you find a broken link, please click the appropriate "Broken link" link above`.

	British Birds: 1953, Volume 46, No. 3, Notes	Monday 14th April 2008
	The Notes section of BB always contains some remarkable tales, and this dive into the archives proves no exception.
	RSPB: UK Divers Buck Europe's Tumbling Trend	Monday 10th September 2007
	Two of Britain's most stunning and vocal birds are increasing their UK numbers while seriously declining throughout the rest of their European range.   read on
	Wind farm development on Lewis	Wednesday 10th January 2007
	The RSPB have voiced their concerns over the proposed wind farm development on Lewis. See how you can help by adding your support to the protest.   read on
	In at the deep end: 'winter' divers made simple	Thursday 7th December 2006
	The three species of diver out of summer plumage can present an identification conundrum. Find out how to separate them with our latest guide.

 BirdGuides webzine