Red-throated Diver

Gavia stellata

Scarce local breeder in Scotland of 1,300 pairs.

Winters on the coast of 17,000 birds September-March.

Known as Red-throated Loons in North America.

Adults have a grey head with a red throat & stripes at the back of the head.

In flight, the head droops below the level of the body.

The call is rapid yet rhythmic goose-like cackles—kaa-kaa-kaa or kak-kak-kak & also has a short wailing call—aarOOao...aarOOao.

Juveniles have a dark back with white spots & a dusky face pattern unlike the Adult's paler face.