Key information
The smallest of the UK's divers, its grey-brown plumage and up-tilted bill readily distinguish it from the other species. In summer it has a distinctive red throat. They usually jump up to dive and can stay underwater for a minute and a half. They are very ungainly on land, only coming ashore to breed. They are listed as a Schedule 1 species under The Wildlife and Countryside Act.
What they eat:
Fish.
Measurements:
- Length:
- 53-69cm
- Wingspan:
- 106-116cm
- Weight:
- 1.2-1.6kg
Population:
- UK breeding:
- 1,300 pairs
- UK wintering:
- 17,000 birds
Identifying features:
This bird species has different identifying features depending on sex/age/season.
Red-throated diver (summer plumage)

Red-throated diver (winter plumage)
