Red-throated diver
Spotting these ‘rain geese’ makes a visit to the west and north of Scotland’s remote moorlands very special.
Conservation action has helped the red-throated diver, a species vulnerable to disturbance, water-level changes and predation.
Red-throated divers have a distinctive, haunting call and put on amazing water courtship displays.
The primitive-looking birds use the shores of hill lochans for nesting.
Red-throated divers are vulnerable to:
- disturbance
- changes in water level
- predation by non-native species like American mink
The species has been helped by positive conservation action, including the provision of artificial floating islands for birds to nest on.
Protection of red-throated divers
Find out how Scotland’s wild birds are protected.
Learn about birds and licensing.
Read our guidance for planners and developers on protected animals.
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