GREAT NORTHERN DIVER. 30I 



patch, an indication of the black of summer, shows on the side 

 of the neck ; I have not noticed this on the Black-throated 

 Diver. It is possible that this patch is really a sign of 

 immaturity, for the majority of the birds which visit inland 

 waters in winter are immature, and those at sea give few 

 opportunities of close observation as they bob about on the 

 waves. A mature winter Great Northern is blacker grey, less 

 brown than the Black-throated on the upper parts, and has a 

 more mottled, less uniform, appearance. From the rare White- 

 billed Diver it can be told by the colour of the bill, which even 

 in winter is darker, and by the slight downward curve towards 

 the tip of the upper mandible, which is straight in the White- 

 billed and appears to tilt upward. 



Except when on migration the " Loon," as it is called on the 

 east coast as well as in America, is little on the wing, but 

 owing to its large size its appearance in flight is even more 

 remarkable than that of the last species. The wings, set far back, 

 look inadequate to carry the torpedo-shaped body, yet the bird 

 travels with speed. The thick neck, pointed bill, and position of 

 wings prevent confusion with a goose, and even with its nearer 

 but much smaller relation, the Great Crested Grebe. The short 

 legs are trailed and usually point inward, and are only exception- 

 ally extended on either side of the tail ; it is an error to say that 

 they are habitually carried this way to serve as rudders. The 

 normal swimming position is deep in the water, the lower neck 

 awash ; if alarmed the back vanishes also, but when unsuspicious 

 the bird will ride buoyantly, rolling like a grebe as it preens its 

 plumage, nibbling at the feathers after moistening its bill. 

 Often it raises itself upright in the water to flap its wings. 

 When indolently floating, the short thick neck is carried in a 

 graceful curve, or rests on the shoulders ; frequently a foot is 

 raised above the back and shaken in the air. If swimming 

 fast the neck and head are held well forward, and I have seen 

 it with them extended along the water, a position assumed by 



