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Great Northern Diver Gavia immer

 
 

InGreat Northern Loon   CaCalàbria grossa   DaIslom   DeEistaucher   EsColimbo grande   Fiamerikanjääkuikka   FrPlongeon imbrin   ItStrolaga maggiore   NlIJsduiker   NoIslom   PtMobelha-grande   SvSvartnäbbad islom   USCommon Loon   RuПолярная гагара

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summer adult
summer adult

summer adult
summer adult
winter adult
winter adult
European distribution
European distribution
summer adult
summer adult
  

Identification

The Great Northern Diver is substantially bulkier than the other divers with a heavier bill. In summer plumage it has distinctive dark and pale bands around the neck and traces of this pattern can still be seen in winter as a diagnostic dark half-collar. The crown and nape are uniformly dark and the head has a curious flat-topped appearance, emphasised by the steep forehead.

Habitat

Breeds on large freshwater lakes. Winters off coasts and on estuaries.

Behaviour

Solitary in winter.

Migration

Birds arrive in their European wintering grounds from October-December, returning north to Iceland and Greenland in Apr-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.

show section BirdGuides rarity status: Local

hide section Most recent UK and Irish reports of Great Northern Diver

  19:14 30/08/10 Great Northern Diver Northumbs St. Mary's Island   
  19:29 25/08/10 Great Northern Diver Outer Hebrides Berneray   
  15:44 24/08/10 Great Northern Diver Pembrokes St. Brides   
  09:55 12/08/10 Great Northern Diver Ayr Saltcoats   
  09:14 12/08/10 Great Northern Diver Argyll Tiree   
  10:04 11/08/10 Great Northern Diver Lothian Musselburgh Lagoons   
  22:48 25/07/10 Great Northern Diver Aberdeenshire Rattray Head   
  11:18 21/07/10 Great Northern Diver Northumbs Beadnell Bay   
  08:30 21/07/10 Great Northern Diver Northumbs Beadnell Bay   
  18:32 16/07/10 Great Northern Diver Argyll Tiree   

hide section Most recent photos of Great Northern Diver (10)

hide section Key UK sites for Great Northern Diver (1)

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show section European breeding populations (3)

show section Products featuring Great Northern Diver (12)

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http://blx1.bto.org/birdfacts/results/bob40.htm http://blx1.bto.org/birdfacts/results/bob40.htm   BTO BirdFacts: Great Northern DiverEdit this link Edit this link
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hide section Articles (1)

In at the deep end: 'winter' divers made simple  In at the deep end: 'winter' divers made simple  Webzine subscribers onlyThursday 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 BirdGuides webzine

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