202 Wild Birds and their Haunts 



THE RED-THROATED DIVER (COLYMBUS 

 SEPTENTRIONALIS). 



GENERIC markings : Bill slightly curved upwards, 

 not exceeding three inches in length ; head 

 with the edges of both mandibles much incurved, 

 throat, and sides of the neck mouse-colour ; crown spotted 

 with black ; neck both above and below marked with 

 white and black lines ; on the front of the neck a large 

 orange-coloured patch ; back, dusky-brown ; lower parts 

 white. Eggs chestnut-brown, spotted with a darker 

 colour. 



There is similarity between the Crested Grebe and the 

 Red-throated Diver, so much so in general shape as to 

 merit by some the general term of " Loon." Amongst 

 the old writers, too, this generic term is sometimes ap- 

 plied, for instance, by our countrymen, Ray and Willugh- 

 by, with this difference, the Great Northern Diver is 

 called " Loon," and the species about which I am now 

 writing " Lumme." 



The birds are said to be numerous on the coasts of the 

 Isle of Wight, passing and re-passing in small flocks and 

 in lines about a mile or so apart. This species, like the 

 rest of the genus, obtains its food by diving ; when pursued 

 it rarely endeavours to escape by taking wing, though 

 its power of flight is somewhat remarkable. It is also 

 common for fishermen to note them passing through the 

 water at good speed, and at a considerable depth, pro- 

 pelling themselves by a free and active use of their wings. 

 The customary time for the visits of these very interesting 

 birds is from October to the end of May. 



Towards the end of spring they withdraw northwards, 

 and build their nests, chiefly of coarse grass and herbs, 

 usually close to the edge of some fresh-water loch. They 

 lay two eggs, and the male is said by close observers to 

 take his turn in the task of incubation. Stray couples 

 breed in the Orkneys, Outer Hebrides, and in the north 

 of Ireland. 



