Red-throated diver Gavia stellata

Small diver frequenting freshwater and sea; often occurs inland

Habitat: breeds on freshwater lakes in N. Britain; occurs on sea in winter

Fairly common on the Essex coast in autumn/winter; some birds venture inland

Male: grey upperparts, grey neck with striking red throat, black up-turned bill; female: white throat and face, pale bill

Swims, dives often to feed; flies powerfully with drooping neck

Eats fish and amphibians

Nest is a scrape at water's edge

1 Brood May–September; 2 eggs olive-buff blotched black