Black-throated Diver

Name: Black-throated Diver

Scientific name: Gavia arctica

Category: Birds

Nature Stars: 80

What are nature stars?

About: A large waterbird, between Great Crested Grebe and Cormorant in size. Divers nest on small pools and lochs, moving to the coast for the winter where they feed on fish.

How to identify: Very smart in summer plumage, with a black throat, silky grey head and neck and a black and white chequered back. In the winter turns a very dark grey above and white below, with an obvious white patch on the rear flanks. Has a straight, dagger-like bill

Where: Nests in the far north of Scotland. In the winter can be seen on the sea around most coasts and sometimes turns up on big lakes and reservoirs.

Natural Superpowers

• Predator: 70
• Agility: 50
• Rarity: 90
• Cute factor: 50
• Traveller: 80

Fantastic fact: Known in America as the Arctic Loon.

Photograph credit: Tim Lenz