Red-throated Diver
Gavia stellata
The Red-throated Diver is a rare but regular migrant to Britain, typically seen in coastal waters during the winter months, with occasional sightings during spring and autumn migration. It can be spotted in northern and western coastal areas, particularly in Scotland and Ireland.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Red-throated Diver in the field.
The Red-throated Diver can be identified by its greyish-brown back, white belly, and distinctive reddish throat patch during the breeding season, as well as its slender neck and pointed bill. In winter, it has a more subdued greyish plumage, but its small size and rounded head shape are still distinctive.
The Red-throated Diver is smaller than a Great Black-backed Gull, but larger than a Guillemot, typically ranging from 55 to 67 centimetres in length.
The male Red-throated Diver has a distinctive reddish throat patch during the breeding season, which fades to a greyish-white patch in winter, with a greyish-brown back and white belly, and a slender neck and pointed bill.
The female Red-throated Diver is similar to the male, with the same seasonal variation in plumage, although the reddish throat patch may be less intense in some individuals.
The Red-throated Diver has a distinctive, wailing call, often described as a mournful or haunting sound, typically heard during the breeding season or at night.
The Red-throated Diver is a skilled diver, feeding on fish, amphibians, and invertebrates in coastal waters, and is known for its monogamous pair bonds, with both males and females helping to build nests, incubate eggs, and feed young.
The Red-throated Diver can be confused with other diver species, such as the Black-throated Diver, but can be distinguished by its smaller size, more slender neck, and distinctive reddish throat patch during the breeding season.
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