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 Great Northern Diver Gavia immer L 75. Mainly a New World species. In Europe breeds on inland lakes in Iceland. Winters mainly along coasts of N and W Europe. Size rather variable, usually considerably larger than Black-throated Diver (note that occasional giant examples of Black-throated can exceed small Great Northern). Has proportionately much more powerful neck and bill. Immatures and winter plumage adults as a rule have quite pale, greyish-white bill (but culmen and hp always dark; mostly pale in White-billed). Note that adult in summer plumage can have whitish outer part of bill (can appear pale in flight). Winter plumage like Black-throated's but has white eye-ring, has crown and hindneck darker than back (converse in Black-throated) and often broad dark half-collar on lower neck. Wingbeats fairly composed and elastic; feet protrude far behind. On breeding waters gives loud screams and yodels ('maniacal laughter'). W
 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.
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