88 DIVER. 



Is found in the seas about the Orknies, and Ferroe Islands ; also 

 in Iceland, and most parts of Europe, likewise in Kamtschatka ; but 

 not in any part of Siberia, or Russia. 



Inhabits Switzerland, particularly on the Lake Constance, where 

 it is called Fluder; dives wonderfully well, rising at an amazing 

 distance. Makes the nest among the reeds and flags, in the water, 

 so that it is continually wet, in the manner of the Grebe ; the eggs 

 three in number, of a dark olive, spotted with black : has a loud 

 shrill cry; not easily taken, either on the land or water, but has 

 been caught under the water, by a hook, baited with a small fish.* 



A. — Der unbekannte Taucher, Bechst. Deuts. ii. 782? 

 Lesser Imber, Bewick, ii. pi. p. 187. Orn. Diet. Supp. 



Length two feet one inch, breadth three feet two inches; weight 

 three pounds eight ounces. Bill black, and horn-colour, tinged 

 with blue ; nostrils very near the base ; tongue pointed; irides brown ; 

 crown and back of the neck, mouse-colour; scapulars, back, rump, 

 tail, and wings, black, edged with grey; quills black; tail very 

 short, rounded ; under side of the body silvery white, except a brown 

 bar, crossing the vent; inner coverts of the wings white ; legs black 

 and grey, tinged with blue ; webs flesh-colour. This was shot on 

 Windermere Lake, in Westmoreland, in December, 1794 ; and is 

 probably the Imber, in imperfect plumage. 



M. Temminck is of opinion, that the Imber itself is merely an 

 incomplete Northern Diver; which, it is said, does not get the com- 

 plete dress till the third year; yet we think it not unlikely, that it 

 may breed before it arrives at full maturity of plumage, as some 

 birds are known to do, and hence may have arisen the supposition of 

 being distinct species. 



* Sometimes taken twenty yards deep under water, viz. with a net or iron hook, baited 

 with a fish ; are commonly sold for two drachms and a half of silver, a piece. — Willughby. 



