The red-throated diver (Gavia stellata) is indeed the smallest among the divers, yet still a fairly large bird. From the tip of the bill to the end of the tail it measures between 55 and 67 cm, and the wingspan is between 91 and 110 cm. The red-throated diver does not breed in our country, but it is a common winter guest in Slovenia. In winter its colors are more restrained, clad in a combination of black and white. For winter plumage, it is characteristic to have a lot of whiteness on the neck and cheeks – when viewed from the side more than half of its neck is white. The back of the neck and the upper side of the head are gray, and the dark gray back is also adorned with a pattern of thin white stripes. While swimming it keeps the bill slightly up, and it can also be recognized by its flat chest.
The red-throated diver is a migratory bird. In its summer plumage, when its neck turns ash-gray, and its throat becomes dark red, it can be observed on lakes of various sizes in the tundra or on peat bogs at the far north of Europe, where it breeds. Although the main part of its diet consists of fish, it often nests on small lakes where fish do not live. In such cases the parents fly off to lakes or seas rich in fish. In addition to fish it also preys on crayfish, mollusks and frogs, and its diet is supplemented with plant matter. It can begin nesting as early as May, but the start of the nesting season is conditioned by the melting of ice, therefore in the more northern regions it begins nesting later.
