Pacific Diver
Gavia pacifica
The Pacific Diver is a rare visitor to Britain, typically seen during the winter months or as a vagrant, often in coastal areas. It is a medium-sized member of the loon, or diver, family, and its appearances in Britain are usually associated with severe weather conditions or migration patterns.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Pacific Diver in the field.
The Pacific Diver can be identified by its black and white striped back, grey head, and distinctive black throat patch, as well as its upright posture and sharp, black bill. Its overall shape and size, with a rounded head and straight bill, also help distinguish it from other divers.
The Pacific Diver is slightly smaller than a Great Black-backed Gull, but larger than a Common Gull, making it a medium-sized bird.
The male Pacific Diver has a black and white striped back, a grey head, and a white belly, with a distinctive black throat patch, and its plumage remains relatively consistent throughout the year.
The female Pacific Diver is similar to the male, with the same black and white striped back, grey head, and white belly, and the same black throat patch.
The Pacific Diver's call is a low, mournful wail, often described as a haunting, repetitive sound.
The Pacific Diver is a skilled diver and swimmer, feeding on fish and other aquatic prey, and it can be seen swimming and diving in coastal waters, often with a distinctive, upright posture when at rest.
The Pacific Diver can be confused with the Black-throated Diver, but can be distinguished by its grey head and black throat patch, as well as its more striped back and white belly, whereas the Black-throated Diver has a more uniform grey back and white belly.
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