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Order PYGOPODES. 
Family COLYMBIDAE. 
GREAT NORTHERN DIVER. Colymbus glacialis (Linneus). 
Coloured Figures.—Gould, ‘ Birds of Great Britain,’ vol. v, pl. 
43; Dresser, ‘ Birds of Europe,’ vol. viii, pl. 626; Lilford, 
‘Coloured Figures,’ vol. vi, pl. 44. 
This remarkably handsome bird, with richly-variegated 
nuptial plumage, is the largest Diver which frequents the 
British Seas. It is not uncommon off our coasts during the 
colder months of the year, especially on migration in autumn 
and spring. It has frequently been observed on fresh-water 
lakes and in other inland situations. Only a few stragglers, 
apparently immature birds, are seen between June and 
September, as the great majority have pushed northward 
to breed. 
Along some portions of the British coasts the Great 
Northern Diver is quite numerous as a passing migrant, 
for instance in the waters of the deeply-indented coasts of 
the north-west of Scotland and Ireland. Here I have seen 
fine adults quite late in spring, though most of the birds 
which frequent sheltered waters appear to be immature. 
The old males are very wary, keeping to the open sea and 
only permitting one to inspect them satisfactorily through 
a field-glass. 
Unlike the Auks, this and the three succeeding species 
of Divers, are not gregarious, though several may be seen 
tenanting the same fishing-grounds at no great distance 
apart. When swimming, the Great Northern Diver usually 
has much of its body immersed ; if apprehensive of danger 
it further submerges itself, at the same time carrying its 
head and neck stretched out almost horizontally and just 
above the surface of the water. It eludes its enemies 
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