502 



Order PYGOPODES. 



Family COLYMBID^. 



GREAT NORTHERN DIVER. Colymbus glacialis (Linnaeus). 



Coloured Figures. Gould, 'Birds of Great Britain,' vol. v, pi. 

 43 ; Dresser, * Birds of Europe,' vol. viii, pi. 626 ; Lilforcl, 

 * Coloured Figures,' vol. vi, pi. 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 



