White-billed Diver
Gavia adamsii
The White-billed Diver is a rare winter visitor to Britain, typically seen in northern and western coastal areas, particularly in Scotland and Ireland, from October to April. It is the largest member of the loon or diver family and can be spotted in marine environments, including bays, fjords, and coastal waters.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify White-billed Diver in the field.
The White-billed Diver can be identified by its distinctive long, straw-yellow bill, black head, and chequered black-and-white mantle, as well as its white underparts. The straight culmen of the bill gives it a slightly uptilted appearance, making it a notable feature for identification.
The White-billed Diver is larger than a Grey Heron, with a substantial size difference that makes it stand out in its habitat.
Breeding males have a black head, white underparts, and a chequered black-and-white mantle, while non-breeding males have a drabber plumage with a white chin and foreneck.
The female White-billed Diver has similar plumage to the male, with the same black head, white underparts, and chequered black-and-white mantle during the breeding season, and a drabber appearance in non-breeding season.
The White-billed Diver's call is not well-documented in British waters, but it is known to make a variety of wailing, yodelling, and grunting sounds in its breeding grounds.
The White-billed Diver is a skilled diver and swimmer, feeding on fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic prey in the water, and can be seen flying with a direct, purposeful flight style, often low over the water.
The White-billed Diver can be confused with other diver species, such as the Black-throated Diver, but can be distinguished by its distinctive yellow bill and chequered mantle, as well as its larger size.
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