268 THE WiLD-FOWLKH. 



THE RED-THROATED DIVER. 



[Colymbus septentrional is. ^\ 



"This bird, better known by the name of the "sprat-loon" or 

 " speckled diver," is very common about the coasts of Kent and 

 Essex, particularly during the sprat-season, when it is sometimes 

 seen, in company with others of its species, following and diving 

 among shoals of sprats, on which it feeds voraciously. 



The red-throated diver may often be shot from the deck of a 

 sailing-vessel, by watching for its appearance above water after 

 diving. When closely pursued, it takes wing, and flies some little 

 distance, but very low in the air sometimes only a few inches above 

 the surface of the water. 



It is only in summer that it has a red hue about its neck : in 

 winter, the red is replaced by a dark brown. 



These birds are also frequently taken alive in nets by fishermen. 

 They are so abundant, and of so little use when killed, that the wild- 

 fowl shooter is seldom tempted to waste powder and shot about 

 them. 



The note of this bird is peculiar a loud and wailing cry, sounding 

 like " Kakeerah ! kakeerah ! " 



