Great Northern Diver
Gavia immer
The Great Northern Diver is a rare winter visitor to Britain, typically seen in coastal areas, particularly in the north and west, from October to April. It is most often encountered in Britain during periods of harsh weather, when individuals may be forced to seek refuge in inshore waters.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Great Northern Diver in the field.
At a glance, the Great Northern Diver can be identified by its broad black head and neck, blackish or blackish-grey upperparts, and pure white underparts, as well as its distinctive black and white patterning on the undertail coverts and vent. Its size and shape, with a long, straight bill, also help to distinguish it from other divers.
The Great Northern Diver is larger than a Grey Heron, with adults reaching lengths of up to 91cm, making it a substantial and imposing bird.
The male Great Northern Diver has a breeding plumage of black head and neck with a greenish, purplish, or bluish sheen, blackish or blackish-grey upperparts, and pure white underparts, while in non-breeding plumage, it becomes more brownish with a dark neck and head marked with dark grey-brown.
The female Great Northern Diver is similar to the male in terms of plumage, with no significant differences in colouration or patterning, although females are generally smaller and lighter than males.
The Great Northern Diver's call is a haunting, wailing sound, often described as a mournful laugh or a series of yodeling notes, which can be heard during the breeding season.
Great Northern Divers are skilled divers and swimmers, feeding on fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic prey in the water, and are known for their distinctive, low-flight style, with their wings beating rapidly as they skim over the surface of the water.
The Great Northern Diver can be confused with the Black-throated Diver, but can be distinguished by its broader black head and neck, and its pure white underparts, as well as its larger size and more imposing shape.
Quick Facts
Who's spotted this?
Loading...
Recent community sightings
Loading recent sightings...
