The Black-throated Diver
Black-throated Diver Gavia arctica L 65. Breeds in N Europe and Scotland on lakes and lochs with deep, clearwater and fish; rarely at coast. Migratory, winters along sea coasts. Character in summer are black throat and chin and pale grey crown. In winter plumage, back is dark grey; on swimming birds a white patch is often visible on rear of body at the water line. Bill held almost horizontal when swimming, is dagger-shaped, medium-heavy and straight, proportionately slimmer than in Great Northern Diver. Call on the breeding grounds (most often at night) is a desolate, mournful, far-carrying 'kloowee-kow-kloowee-kowkloowee-kow-klowi'. Other calls: a resounding 'aah-aw' like calling gull, and hard 'knarr-knorr'. Silent in flight. RWP
An
excellent pocket reference book for recognising
birds is the Hamlyn Guide to Birds of Britain
and Europe, which is a comprehensive reference
guide to Britain and mainland Europe's plethora
of ornithological life.
