summer adult

summer adult winter adult European distribution summer party

Identification

The Black-throated Diver is smaller than a Northern Diver but bulkier and bigger than the Red-throated with a stouter more horizontal bill, and bolder, more black and white markings. Its immaculate summer plumage is unmistakable and key features in winter plumage include a broad triangular white patch around the flanks and more extensive dark areas on the head, nape and neck, contrasting boldly with the paler cheeks and throat.

Habitat

Breeds on freshwater lochs and pools. Winters off coasts and occasionally on inland freshwaters.

Behaviour

Forms tight feeding flocks in winter

Migration

Birds leave their breeding grounds during September to October to coastal or more southerly areas, returning in 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, Black-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.)

Swanton Morley GPs, Norfolk 04/02/2010	Swanton Morley GPs, Norfolk 04/02/2010	Hartlepool, Cleveland 03/02/2010	Hartlepool, Cleveland 01/02/2010	Hartlepool, Cleveland 01/02/2010
Forfar Loch, Angus/Dundee 29/01/2010	Forfar Loch, Angus/Dundee 27/01/2010	Forfar Loch, Angus/Dundee 27/01/2010	Forfar Loch, Angus/Dundee 23/01/2010	Forfar Loch, Angus/Dundee 24/01/2010

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

Belarus
Britain
Estonia
Finland
Latvia
Lithuania
Norway
Russia
Sweden

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	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.

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