Black-throated Diver

Black-throated Diver

The black-throted diver inhabits northern Europe and northwestern Asia,but also breeds in Scotland and,in rare instances,in Pomerania,northern Germany and Poland.During the breeding season it is found on lakes,generally near the coast.The nest is placed on islets near deep water,and is simply a shallow depression in grass,usually without any lining,generally sited right on the water’s edge so that the birds can slip straight in.One,two,but sometimes three eggs are laid in April or May. The partners take turns incubating for 28 to 32 days.On hatching, the chicks take to the water with their parents,who supervise them for a further two month.When the young are fully grown,the divers form small groups.Birds from the extreme north leave their nesting grounds as early as mid August,often while the young are still unable to fly,swimming with them down the rivers to the sea and on along the coast.The main southerly migration is usually in November,the return journey taking place between early March and late April.Wintering grounds are the Baltic,North Sea,and Mediterranean,as well as northern parts of Black and Caspian Seas.During the migratory season,single individuals may be seen quite regularly inland on ice-free water.Black-throated divers feed mainly on fish,but crustaceans, mollusks and occasionally frogs,worms or aquatic insects also feature in the diet.

“Collected by The illustrated book of BIRDS.”