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  • Black-throated Diver - Gavia arctica - Summer adult. L 60-70cm. Swims buoyantly with bill held level. Dives frequently. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has blue-grey nape and head, and black throat; sides of neck have black and white lines. Back is dark with white spots; underparts are white. In winter, upperparts mainly grey-black and underparts whitish; note white patch on flanks at water level in swimming birds. Juvenile is similar to winter adult but grubby-looking. Voice Mostly silent. Status Rare breeding species on large Scottish lochs. Scarce in winter, mainly in coastal waters.
    157403.jpg
  • Black-throated Diver - Gavia arctica - Summer adult. L 60-70cm. Swims buoyantly with bill held level. Dives frequently. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has blue-grey nape and head, and black throat; sides of neck have black and white lines. Back is dark with white spots; underparts are white. In winter, upperparts mainly grey-black and underparts whitish; note white patch on flanks at water level in swimming birds. Juvenile is similar to winter adult but grubby-looking. Voice Mostly silent. Status Rare breeding species on large Scottish lochs. Scarce in winter, mainly in coastal waters.
    157404.jpg
  • Black-throated Diver - Gavia arctica - Summer adult. L 60-70cm. Swims buoyantly with bill held level. Dives frequently. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has blue-grey nape and head, and black throat; sides of neck have black and white lines. Back is dark with white spots; underparts are white. In winter, upperparts mainly grey-black and underparts whitish; note white patch on flanks at water level in swimming birds. Juvenile is similar to winter adult but grubby-looking. Voice Mostly silent. Status Rare breeding species on large Scottish lochs. Scarce in winter, mainly in coastal waters.
    157402.jpg
  • Black-throated Diver Gavia arctica L 60-70cm. Swims buoyantly with bill held level. Dives frequently. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has blue-grey nape and head, and black throat; sides of neck have black and white lines. Back is dark with white spots; underparts are white. In winter, upperparts mainly grey-black and underparts whitish; note white patch on flanks at water level in swimming birds. Juvenile is similar to winter adult but grubby-looking. Voice Mostly silent. Status Rare breeding species on large Scottish lochs. Scarce in winter, mainly in coastal waters.
    137351.jpg
  • Black-throated Diver Gavia arctica L 60-70cm. Swims buoyantly with bill held level. Dives frequently. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has blue-grey nape and head, and black throat; sides of neck have black and white lines. Back is dark with white spots; underparts are white. In winter, upperparts mainly grey-black and underparts whitish; note white patch on flanks at water level in swimming birds. Juvenile is similar to winter adult but grubby-looking. Voice Mostly silent. Status Rare breeding species on large Scottish lochs. Scarce in winter, mainly in coastal waters.
    137561.jpg
  • Black-throated Diver Gavia arctica L 60-70cm. Swims buoyantly with bill held level. Dives frequently. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has blue-grey nape and head, and black throat; sides of neck have black and white lines. Back is dark with white spots; underparts are white. In winter, upperparts mainly grey-black and underparts whitish; note white patch on flanks at water level in swimming birds. Juvenile is similar to winter adult but grubby-looking. Voice Mostly silent. Status Rare breeding species on large Scottish lochs. Scarce in winter, mainly in coastal waters.
    143635.jpg
  • Black-throated Diver Gavia arctica L 60-70cm. Swims buoyantly with bill held level. Dives frequently. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has blue-grey nape and head, and black throat; sides of neck have black and white lines. Back is dark with white spots; underparts are white. In winter, upperparts mainly grey-black and underparts whitish; note white patch on flanks at water level in swimming birds. Juvenile is similar to winter adult but grubby-looking. Voice Mostly silent. Status Rare breeding species on large Scottish lochs. Scarce in winter, mainly in coastal waters.
    144706.jpg
  • Black-throated Diver Gavia arctica L 60-70cm. Swims buoyantly with bill held level. Dives frequently. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has blue-grey nape and head, and black throat; sides of neck have black and white lines. Back is dark with white spots; underparts are white. In winter, upperparts mainly grey-black and underparts whitish; note white patch on flanks at water level in swimming birds. Juvenile is similar to winter adult but grubby-looking. Voice Mostly silent. Status Rare breeding species on large Scottish lochs. Scarce in winter, mainly in coastal waters.
    144707.jpg
  • Black-throated Diver Gavia arctica L 60-70cm. Swims buoyantly with bill held level. Dives frequently. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has blue-grey nape and head, and black throat; sides of neck have black and white lines. Back is dark with white spots; underparts are white. In winter, upperparts mainly grey-black and underparts whitish; note white patch on flanks at water level in swimming birds. Juvenile is similar to winter adult but grubby-looking. Voice Mostly silent. Status Rare breeding species on large Scottish lochs. Scarce in winter, mainly in coastal waters.
    144708.jpg
  • Black-throated Diver Gavia arctica L 60-70cm. Swims buoyantly with bill held level. Dives frequently. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has blue-grey nape and head, and black throat; sides of neck have black and white lines. Back is dark with white spots; underparts are white. In winter, upperparts mainly grey-black and underparts whitish; note white patch on flanks at water level in swimming birds. Juvenile is similar to winter adult but grubby-looking. Voice Mostly silent. Status Rare breeding species on large Scottish lochs. Scarce in winter, mainly in coastal waters.
    137360.jpg
  • Black-throated Diver Gavia arctica L 60-70cm. Swims buoyantly with bill held level. Dives frequently. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has blue-grey nape and head, and black throat; sides of neck have black and white lines. Back is dark with white spots; underparts are white. In winter, upperparts mainly grey-black and underparts whitish; note white patch on flanks at water level in swimming birds. Juvenile is similar to winter adult but grubby-looking. Voice Mostly silent. Status Rare breeding species on large Scottish lochs. Scarce in winter, mainly in coastal waters.
    144709.jpg
  • Mute Swan - Cygnus olor L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
    156881.jpg
  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
    128813.jpg
  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
    133064.jpg
  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
    156658.jpg
  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor. L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts
    154991.jpg
  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor. L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts
    154993.jpg
  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor. L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts
    154994.jpg
  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor. L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts
    154996.jpg
  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor. L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts
    154997.jpg
  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor - juvenile. L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
    154920.jpg
  • Two-spotted Goby Gobiusculus flavescens L to 6cm<br />
Well-marked fish that spends more time swimming in water column than most other gobies. Found among seaweeds and eelgrass beds in shallow water. Aduklt has rather streamlined body, marbled brown and buff with blue spots and pale dorsal patches. Typically there is a dark spot at base of tail; male has 2nd dark spot behind pectoral fin. Locally common except along E coast.
    142956.jpg
  • Two-spotted Goby Gobiusculus flavescens L to 6cm<br />
Well-marked fish that spends more time swimming in water column than most other gobies. Found among seaweeds and eelgrass beds in shallow water. Aduklt has rather streamlined body, marbled brown and buff with blue spots and pale dorsal patches. Typically there is a dark spot at base of tail; male has 2nd dark spot behind pectoral fin. Locally common except along E coast.
    142958.jpg
  • Two-spotted Goby Gobiusculus flavescens L to 6cm<br />
Well-marked fish that spends more time swimming in water column than most other gobies. Found among seaweeds and eelgrass beds in shallow water. Aduklt has rather streamlined body, marbled brown and buff with blue spots and pale dorsal patches. Typically there is a dark spot at base of tail; male has 2nd dark spot behind pectoral fin. Locally common except along E coast.
    141659.jpg
  • Minke Whale Balaenoptera acutorostrata Length 8-10m (Pronounced Minky). Smallest baleen whale but still large and impressive. Tail is not revealed when animal dives. Feeds on shoaling fish. Adult is streamlined with narrow, pointed snout. Upperparts are dark grey; underparts are whitish and broad bands of paler colouration extend up flanks and sometimes visible on animals at surface. Curved dorsal fin is set far back on body. Single ridge runs from nostrils to tip of rostrum. Has diagnostic, broad white spot or band on upper surface of flipper; easily seen in swimming animals.
    115474.jpg
  • European Beaver Castor fiber Length 120-150cm including tail. Large, aquatic rodent with proportionately large head, water-repellent fur and broad, paddle-like tail used for swimming. Once hunted (for fur) close to extinction across its temperate European range. Now re-introduced in places and recovering.
    143527.jpg
  • European Beaver Castor fiber Length 120-150cm including tail. Large, aquatic rodent with proportionately large head, water-repellent fur and broad, paddle-like tail used for swimming. Once hunted (for fur) close to extinction across its temperate European range. Now re-introduced in places and recovering.
    144280.jpg
  • Water Vole Arvicola terrestris Length 20-32cm Charming waterside mammal, equally at home in water or on a river bank. Adult has plump body and reddish brown fur. Head is relatively large and rounded. Front feet grasp vegetation while eating. Hind feet are used for swimming. Tail is bristly and relatively shorter than Brown Rat, which has a naked tail. Mostly silent. Likes clean, slow flowing or still waters with marginal vegetation and steep, muddy banks into which it burrows. Thrives only where habitat is maintained and predatory American Mink are controlled.
    145855.jpg
  • Velvet Scoter Melanitta fusca L 51-58cm. Bulky diving duck. Larger than Common Scoter with which it associates. All birds have white inner flight feathers, most obvious in flight. Head markings are useful in identification. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has mainly black plumage, with striking white patch below pale eye; white on closed wings sometimes visible when swimming. Bill is two-toned: yellow and blackish. 1st winter male lacks white under eye. Adult female is mainly dark sooty brown, with pale cheek patch and pale patch at base of bill; bill is dark. Voice Mostly silent. Status Scarce non-breeding visitor from Scandinavia, present mainly Oct- Mar. Favours coasts with sandy seabeds. Commonest in N.
    127283.jpg
  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
    128814.jpg
  • Common Scoter Melanitta nigra L 44-54cm. Male is our only all-black duck. Rather long tail is sometimes raised when swimming. Gregarious outside breeding season. In flight, looks mainly dark but paler flight feathers can sometimes be seen. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has uniformly black plumage. Head sheen only visible at close range. Bill is mostly dark but with yellow ridge; base is bulbous base. 1st winter male has browner plumage are all-dark bill. Adult female has mainly dark brown plumage with pale buff cheeks. Juvenile resembles aadult female. Voice Mostly silent. Status Rare breeding bird, found on vegetated N lakes and lochs. Locally fairly common in winter, found on coasts with sandy seabeds.
    128892.jpg
  • Velvet Scoter Melanitta fusca L 51-58cm. Bulky diving duck. Larger than Common Scoter with which it associates. All birds have white inner flight feathers, most obvious in flight. Head markings are useful in identification. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has mainly black plumage, with striking white patch below pale eye; white on closed wings sometimes visible when swimming. Bill is two-toned: yellow and blackish. 1st winter male lacks white under eye. Adult female is mainly dark sooty brown, with pale cheek patch and pale patch at base of bill; bill is dark. Voice Mostly silent. Status Scarce non-breeding visitor from Scandinavia, present mainly Oct- Mar. Favours coasts with sandy seabeds. Commonest in N.
    128891.jpg
  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
    133160.jpg
  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
    137580.jpg
  • Common Scoter Melanitta nigra L 44-54cm. Male is our only all-black duck. Rather long tail is sometimes raised when swimming. Gregarious outside breeding season. In flight, looks mainly dark but paler flight feathers can sometimes be seen. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has uniformly black plumage. Head sheen only visible at close range. Bill is mostly dark but with yellow ridge; base is bulbous base. 1st winter male has browner plumage are all-dark bill. Adult female has mainly dark brown plumage with pale buff cheeks. Juvenile resembles aadult female. Voice Mostly silent. Status Rare breeding bird, found on vegetated N lakes and lochs. Locally fairly common in winter, found on coasts with sandy seabeds.
    137585.jpg
  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
    143766.jpg
  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
    143988.jpg
  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
    143989.jpg
  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
    143990.jpg
  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
    145933.jpg
  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
    145934.jpg
  • Common Scoter - Melanitta nigra - male. L 44-54cm. Male is our only all-black duck. Rather long tail is sometimes raised when swimming. Gregarious outside breeding season. In flight, looks mainly dark but paler flight feathers can sometimes be seen. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has uniformly black plumage. Head sheen only visible at close range. Bill is mostly dark but with yellow ridge; base is bulbous base. 1st winter male has browner plumage are all-dark bill. Adult female has mainly dark brown plumage with pale buff cheeks. Juvenile resembles aadult female. Voice Mostly silent. Status Rare breeding bird, found on vegetated N lakes and lochs. Locally fairly common in winter, found on coasts with sandy seabeds.
    137585.jpg
  • Mute Swan - Cygnus olor L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
    135723.jpg
  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor. L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts
    154995.jpg
  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
    154921.jpg
  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
    154922.jpg
  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor - Juvenile. L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
    154923.jpg
  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor - Juvenile. L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
    154924.jpg
  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor - juvenile. L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
    154906.jpg
  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
    154831.jpg
  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
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  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor - juvenile. L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
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  • Minke Whale Balaenoptera acutorostrata Length 8-10m (Pronounced Minky). Smallest baleen whale but still large and impressive. Tail is not revealed when animal dives. Feeds on shoaling fish. Adult is streamlined with narrow, pointed snout. Upperparts are dark grey; underparts are whitish and broad bands of paler colouration extend up flanks and sometimes visible on animals at surface. Curved dorsal fin is set far back on body. Single ridge runs from nostrils to tip of rostrum. Has diagnostic, broad white spot or band on upper surface of flipper; easily seen in swimming animals.
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  • Minke Whale Balaenoptera acutorostrata Length 8-10m (Pronounced Minky). Smallest baleen whale but still large and impressive. Tail is not revealed when animal dives. Feeds on shoaling fish. Adult is streamlined with narrow, pointed snout. Upperparts are dark grey; underparts are whitish and broad bands of paler colouration extend up flanks and sometimes visible on animals at surface. Curved dorsal fin is set far back on body. Single ridge runs from nostrils to tip of rostrum. Has diagnostic, broad white spot or band on upper surface of flipper; easily seen in swimming animals.
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  • European Beaver Castor fiber Length 120-150cm including tail. Large, aquatic rodent with proportionately large head, water-repellent fur and broad, paddle-like tail used for swimming. Once hunted (for fur) close to extinction across its temperate European range. Now re-introduced in places and recovering.
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  • Common Scoter Melanitta nigra L 44-54cm. Male is our only all-black duck. Rather long tail is sometimes raised when swimming. Gregarious outside breeding season. In flight, looks mainly dark but paler flight feathers can sometimes be seen. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has uniformly black plumage. Head sheen only visible at close range. Bill is mostly dark but with yellow ridge; base is bulbous base. 1st winter male has browner plumage are all-dark bill. Adult female has mainly dark brown plumage with pale buff cheeks. Juvenile resembles aadult female. Voice Mostly silent. Status Rare breeding bird, found on vegetated N lakes and lochs. Locally fairly common in winter, found on coasts with sandy seabeds.
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  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
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  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
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  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
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  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
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  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
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  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
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  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
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  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
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  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
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  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
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  • Common Dolphin, Delphinus delphis, dolphin, cetacean, marine, mammal, swimming, sea, ocean, baja, california, mexico
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  • Guillemot Uria aalge L 42cm. Familiar seabird that nests in densely packed breeding colonies. Swims well and flies on whirring wingbeats. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has chocolate-brown head and upperparts (darkest in N birds) and white underparts. Bill is dark and dagger-like; so-called ‘Bridled Guillemot’ has white ‘spectacle’ around eye. In winter, has white on cheeks and throat but black line running back from eye. Voice Utters growling calls at breeding colonies. Status Locally numerous at seabird colonies with precipitous cliff ledges. Moves offshore outside breeding season. Suffers badly in oil spills.
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  • Little Auk Alle alle - Summer Adult. L 20cm. Our smallest auk with a dumpy body, short neck and tiny, stubby bill. Flies on whirring wingbeats and can look almost Starling-like in flight. Swims well and dive frequently. Sexes are similar. Adult in winter has black cap, nape and back, and white underparts; at close range, note white lines on wings and tiny white crescent above eye. Not seen in breeding plumage in our region. Voice Silent at sea. Status Winter visitor from Arctic breeding grounds where it is locally abundant. Probably numerous in N North Sea in winter but seldom comes close to land by choice.
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  • Grey Phalarope - Phalaropus lobatus - Winter Adult. L 20-21cm. Confiding wader that habitually swims and spends its non-breeding life at sea. Bill is shorter and stouter than similar Red-necked, and has yellow base. Sexes are dissimilar in breeding plumage (seen here occasionally). Winter adult has grey upperparts, white underparts, dark cap and nape, and black ‘panda’ mark the eye. Adult female in summer has orange-red neck and underparts, dark crown, white face patch, and buff-fringed dark back feathers. Adult male in summer is similar but duller. Juvenile recalls winter adult but plumage is tinged buff and back feathers are dark with buff fringes. Voice Utters a sharp pit flight call. Status Nests in high Arctic, winters in tropical seas and seen here on migration, mostly in autumn but sometimes spring. Mainly coastal but sometimes on reservoirs.
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  • American Mink Mustela vison Length 45-65cm Unwelcome introduction to Britain from North America. An active predator of aquatic life; instrumental in demise of the Water Vole. Hunts in afternoon and after dark. Swims well and buoyantly. Adult has slender body and bushy tail. Fur is soft, silky and typically dark brown. Males is larger than female. Utters high-pitched calls when alarmed. Originated from fur farms (‘liberated’ animals and escapees) and now alarmingly widespread along waterways throughout. Often the subject of eradication programmes.
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  • Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo L 80-100cm. Dark water bird with heavy, hook-tipped bill. Swims low in water, propelled by large webbed feet. Wings often held outstretched when perched. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer is mainly dark with an oily sheen and black-bordered brownish feathers on wings, and white on thigh and head. Eye is green; skin at base of bill is yellowish. In winter, white feathering is absent. Juvenile has brown upperparts and whitish underparts. Voice Silent except at nest. Status Common, favouring sheltered seas and large freshwater lakes. Breeds colonially.
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  • Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata L 55-65cm. Swims low in water, head and dagger-like bill tilted upwards. Dives frequently. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has blue-grey on face and sides of neck, red throat and black-and-white lines on back and lower sides of neck. Upperparts are otherwise brownish grey and underparts are whitish. In winter, grey upperparts are spangled with small white spots; underparts are white. Juvenile is similar to winter adult but grubby-looking. Voice Mostly silent. Status Scarce breeding species; nests beside freshwater pools. Outside breeding season, found in shallow coastal seas; locally common in winter.
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  • Red-throated Diver - Gavia stellata - winter. L 55-65cm. Swims low in water, head and dagger-like bill tilted upwards. Dives frequently. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has blue-grey on face and sides of neck, red throat and black-and-white lines on back and lower sides of neck. Upperparts are otherwise brownish grey and underparts are whitish. In winter, grey upperparts are spangled with small white spots; underparts are white. Juvenile is similar to winter adult but grubby-looking. Voice Mostly silent. Status Scarce breeding species; nests beside freshwater pools. Outside breeding season, found in shallow coastal seas; locally common in winter.
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  • Red-throated Diver - Gavia stellata - winter. L 55-65cm. Swims low in water, head and dagger-like bill tilted upwards. Dives frequently. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has blue-grey on face and sides of neck, red throat and black-and-white lines on back and lower sides of neck. Upperparts are otherwise brownish grey and underparts are whitish. In winter, grey upperparts are spangled with small white spots; underparts are white. Juvenile is similar to winter adult but grubby-looking. Voice Mostly silent. Status Scarce breeding species; nests beside freshwater pools. Outside breeding season, found in shallow coastal seas; locally common in winter.
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  • Red-throated Diver - Gavia stellata - winter. L 55-65cm. Swims low in water, head and dagger-like bill tilted upwards. Dives frequently. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has blue-grey on face and sides of neck, red throat and black-and-white lines on back and lower sides of neck. Upperparts are otherwise brownish grey and underparts are whitish. In winter, grey upperparts are spangled with small white spots; underparts are white. Juvenile is similar to winter adult but grubby-looking. Voice Mostly silent. Status Scarce breeding species; nests beside freshwater pools. Outside breeding season, found in shallow coastal seas; locally common in winter.
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  • Red-throated Diver - Gavia stellata - winter. L 55-65cm. Swims low in water, head and dagger-like bill tilted upwards. Dives frequently. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has blue-grey on face and sides of neck, red throat and black-and-white lines on back and lower sides of neck. Upperparts are otherwise brownish grey and underparts are whitish. In winter, grey upperparts are spangled with small white spots; underparts are white. Juvenile is similar to winter adult but grubby-looking. Voice Mostly silent. Status Scarce breeding species; nests beside freshwater pools. Outside breeding season, found in shallow coastal seas; locally common in winter.
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  • Black Guillemot Cepphus grylle - Winter plumage. L 34cm. Charming, coastal auk. Swims well and dives for Butterfish and other bottom-dwellers. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has mainly sooty-brown plumage except for striking white patch on wing. Has red legs and orange-red gape. In winter, has scaly grey upperparts and white upperparts; black wings and contrasting white wing patch are retained. 1st winter bird is similar to a winter adult but white wing patch contains dark markings. Voice Utters high-pitched whistling calls. Status Local year-round resident in inshore waters of Ireland and N and W Scotland.
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  • Black Guillemot Cepphus grylle - Winter plumage. L 34cm. Charming, coastal auk. Swims well and dives for Butterfish and other bottom-dwellers. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has mainly sooty-brown plumage except for striking white patch on wing. Has red legs and orange-red gape. In winter, has scaly grey upperparts and white upperparts; black wings and contrasting white wing patch are retained. 1st winter bird is similar to a winter adult but white wing patch contains dark markings. Voice Utters high-pitched whistling calls. Status Local year-round resident in inshore waters of Ireland and N and W Scotland.
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  • Black Guillemot Cepphus grylle - Winter plumage. L 34cm. Charming, coastal auk. Swims well and dives for Butterfish and other bottom-dwellers. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has mainly sooty-brown plumage except for striking white patch on wing. Has red legs and orange-red gape. In winter, has scaly grey upperparts and white upperparts; black wings and contrasting white wing patch are retained. 1st winter bird is similar to a winter adult but white wing patch contains dark markings. Voice Utters high-pitched whistling calls. Status Local year-round resident in inshore waters of Ireland and N and W Scotland.
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  • Black Guillemot - Cepphus grylle - winter plumage.  L 34cm. Charming, coastal auk. Swims well and dives for Butterfish and other bottom-dwellers. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has mainly sooty-brown plumage except for striking white patch on wing. Has red legs and orange-red gape. In winter, has scaly grey upperparts and white upperparts; black wings and contrasting white wing patch are retained. 1st winter bird is similar to a winter adult but white wing patch contains dark markings. Voice Utters high-pitched whistling calls. Status Local year-round resident in inshore waters of Ireland and N and W Scotland.
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  • Black Guillemot - Cepphus grylle - winter plumage.  L 34cm. Charming, coastal auk. Swims well and dives for Butterfish and other bottom-dwellers. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has mainly sooty-brown plumage except for striking white patch on wing. Has red legs and orange-red gape. In winter, has scaly grey upperparts and white upperparts; black wings and contrasting white wing patch are retained. 1st winter bird is similar to a winter adult but white wing patch contains dark markings. Voice Utters high-pitched whistling calls. Status Local year-round resident in inshore waters of Ireland and N and W Scotland.
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  • Black Guillemot - Cepphus grylle - winter plumage.  L 34cm. Charming, coastal auk. Swims well and dives for Butterfish and other bottom-dwellers. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has mainly sooty-brown plumage except for striking white patch on wing. Has red legs and orange-red gape. In winter, has scaly grey upperparts and white upperparts; black wings and contrasting white wing patch are retained. 1st winter bird is similar to a winter adult but white wing patch contains dark markings. Voice Utters high-pitched whistling calls. Status Local year-round resident in inshore waters of Ireland and N and W Scotland.
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  • Grey Phalarope - Phalaropus lobatus - Winter Adult. L 20-21cm. Confiding wader that habitually swims and spends its non-breeding life at sea. Bill is shorter and stouter than similar Red-necked, and has yellow base. Sexes are dissimilar in breeding plumage (seen here occasionally). Winter adult has grey upperparts, white underparts, dark cap and nape, and black ‘panda’ mark the eye. Adult female in summer has orange-red neck and underparts, dark crown, white face patch, and buff-fringed dark back feathers. Adult male in summer is similar but duller. Juvenile recalls winter adult but plumage is tinged buff and back feathers are dark with buff fringes. Voice Utters a sharp pit flight call. Status Nests in high Arctic, winters in tropical seas and seen here on migration, mostly in autumn but sometimes spring. Mainly coastal but sometimes on reservoirs.
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  • Grey Phalarope - Phalaropus lobatus - Winter Adult. L 20-21cm. Confiding wader that habitually swims and spends its non-breeding life at sea. Bill is shorter and stouter than similar Red-necked, and has yellow base. Sexes are dissimilar in breeding plumage (seen here occasionally). Winter adult has grey upperparts, white underparts, dark cap and nape, and black ‘panda’ mark the eye. Adult female in summer has orange-red neck and underparts, dark crown, white face patch, and buff-fringed dark back feathers. Adult male in summer is similar but duller. Juvenile recalls winter adult but plumage is tinged buff and back feathers are dark with buff fringes. Voice Utters a sharp pit flight call. Status Nests in high Arctic, winters in tropical seas and seen here on migration, mostly in autumn but sometimes spring. Mainly coastal but sometimes on reservoirs.
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  • Grey Phalarope - Phalaropus lobatus - Winter Adult. L 20-21cm. Confiding wader that habitually swims and spends its non-breeding life at sea. Bill is shorter and stouter than similar Red-necked, and has yellow base. Sexes are dissimilar in breeding plumage (seen here occasionally). Winter adult has grey upperparts, white underparts, dark cap and nape, and black ‘panda’ mark the eye. Adult female in summer has orange-red neck and underparts, dark crown, white face patch, and buff-fringed dark back feathers. Adult male in summer is similar but duller. Juvenile recalls winter adult but plumage is tinged buff and back feathers are dark with buff fringes. Voice Utters a sharp pit flight call. Status Nests in high Arctic, winters in tropical seas and seen here on migration, mostly in autumn but sometimes spring. Mainly coastal but sometimes on reservoirs.
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  • Grey Phalarope - Phalaropus lobatus - Winter Adult. L 20-21cm. Confiding wader that habitually swims and spends its non-breeding life at sea. Bill is shorter and stouter than similar Red-necked, and has yellow base. Sexes are dissimilar in breeding plumage (seen here occasionally). Winter adult has grey upperparts, white underparts, dark cap and nape, and black ‘panda’ mark the eye. Adult female in summer has orange-red neck and underparts, dark crown, white face patch, and buff-fringed dark back feathers. Adult male in summer is similar but duller. Juvenile recalls winter adult but plumage is tinged buff and back feathers are dark with buff fringes. Voice Utters a sharp pit flight call. Status Nests in high Arctic, winters in tropical seas and seen here on migration, mostly in autumn but sometimes spring. Mainly coastal but sometimes on reservoirs.
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  • Grey Phalarope - Phalaropus lobatus - Winter Adult. L 20-21cm. Confiding wader that habitually swims and spends its non-breeding life at sea. Bill is shorter and stouter than similar Red-necked, and has yellow base. Sexes are dissimilar in breeding plumage (seen here occasionally). Winter adult has grey upperparts, white underparts, dark cap and nape, and black ‘panda’ mark the eye. Adult female in summer has orange-red neck and underparts, dark crown, white face patch, and buff-fringed dark back feathers. Adult male in summer is similar but duller. Juvenile recalls winter adult but plumage is tinged buff and back feathers are dark with buff fringes. Voice Utters a sharp pit flight call. Status Nests in high Arctic, winters in tropical seas and seen here on migration, mostly in autumn but sometimes spring. Mainly coastal but sometimes on reservoirs.
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  • Grey Phalarope - Phalropus lobatus - Winter Adult. L 20-21cm. Confiding wader that habitually swims and spends its non-breeding life at sea. Bill is shorter and stouter than similar Red-necked, and has yellow base. Sexes are dissimilar in breeding plumage (seen here occasionally). Winter adult has grey upperparts, white underparts, dark cap and nape, and black ‘panda’ mark the eye. Adult female in summer has orange-red neck and underparts, dark crown, white face patch, and buff-fringed dark back feathers. Adult male in summer is similar but duller. Juvenile recalls winter adult but plumage is tinged buff and back feathers are dark with buff fringes. Voice Utters a sharp pit flight call. Status Nests in high Arctic, winters in tropical seas and seen here on migration, mostly in autumn but sometimes spring. Mainly coastal but sometimes on reservoirs.
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  • Grey Phalarope - Phalropus lobatus - Winter Adult. Grey Phalarope - Phalropus lobatus - Winter Adult. L 20-21cm. Confiding wader that habitually swims and spends its non-breeding life at sea. Bill is shorter and stouter than similar Red-necked, and has yellow base. Sexes are dissimilar in breeding plumage (seen here occasionally). Winter adult has grey upperparts, white underparts, dark cap and nape, and black ‘panda’ mark the eye. Adult female in summer has orange-red neck and underparts, dark crown, white face patch, and buff-fringed dark back feathers. Adult male in summer is similar but duller. Juvenile recalls winter adult but plumage is tinged buff and back feathers are dark with buff fringes. Voice Utters a sharp pit flight call. Status Nests in high Arctic, winters in tropical seas and seen here on migration, mostly in autumn but sometimes spring. Mainly coastal but sometimes on reservoirs.
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  • Grey Phalarope - Phalropus lobatus - Winter Adult. L 20-21cm. Confiding wader that habitually swims and spends its non-breeding life at sea. Bill is shorter and stouter than similar Red-necked, and has yellow base. Sexes are dissimilar in breeding plumage (seen here occasionally). Winter adult has grey upperparts, white underparts, dark cap and nape, and black ‘panda’ mark the eye. Adult female in summer has orange-red neck and underparts, dark crown, white face patch, and buff-fringed dark back feathers. Adult male in summer is similar but duller. Juvenile recalls winter adult but plumage is tinged buff and back feathers are dark with buff fringes. Voice Utters a sharp pit flight call. Status Nests in high Arctic, winters in tropical seas and seen here on migration, mostly in autumn but sometimes spring. Mainly coastal but sometimes on reservoirs.
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  • Grey Phalarope - Phalropus lobatus - Winter Adult. L 20-21cm. Confiding wader that habitually swims and spends its non-breeding life at sea. Bill is shorter and stouter than similar Red-necked, and has yellow base. Sexes are dissimilar in breeding plumage (seen here occasionally). Winter adult has grey upperparts, white underparts, dark cap and nape, and black ‘panda’ mark the eye. Adult female in summer has orange-red neck and underparts, dark crown, white face patch, and buff-fringed dark back feathers. Adult male in summer is similar but duller. Juvenile recalls winter adult but plumage is tinged buff and back feathers are dark with buff fringes. Voice Utters a sharp pit flight call. Status Nests in high Arctic, winters in tropical seas and seen here on migration, mostly in autumn but sometimes spring. Mainly coastal but sometimes on reservoirs.
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  • Moorhen Gallinula chloropus L 32-35cm. Familiar wetland bird. Swims with jerky movements and constantly flicks its tail. Often tame on urban lakes. Sexes are similar. Adult can look all-dark but has dark blue-grey head, neck and underparts, and brownish back, wings and tail. Has yellow-tipped red bill and frontal shield, and yellow legs and long toes. Note white feathers on sides of undertail and a white line along flanks. Juvenile is greyish brown with white on throat, sides of undertail coverts, and along flanks. Voice Utters a loud kurrrk. Status Common resident on all sorts of wetland habitats, from village ponds to flooded gravel pits and lakes.
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  • Moorhen Gallinula chloropus L 32-35cm. Familiar wetland bird. Swims with jerky movements and constantly flicks its tail. Often tame on urban lakes. Sexes are similar. Adult can look all-dark but has dark blue-grey head, neck and underparts, and brownish back, wings and tail. Has yellow-tipped red bill and frontal shield, and yellow legs and long toes. Note white feathers on sides of undertail and a white line along flanks. Juvenile is greyish brown with white on throat, sides of undertail coverts, and along flanks. Voice Utters a loud kurrrk. Status Common resident on all sorts of wetland habitats, from village ponds to flooded gravel pits and lakes.
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  • Moorhen Gallinula chloropus L 32-35cm. Familiar wetland bird. Swims with jerky movements and constantly flicks its tail. Often tame on urban lakes. Sexes are similar. Adult can look all-dark but has dark blue-grey head, neck and underparts, and brownish back, wings and tail. Has yellow-tipped red bill and frontal shield, and yellow legs and long toes. Note white feathers on sides of undertail and a white line along flanks. Juvenile is greyish brown with white on throat, sides of undertail coverts, and along flanks. Voice Utters a loud kurrrk. Status Common resident on all sorts of wetland habitats, from village ponds to flooded gravel pits and lakes.
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  • Moorhen Gallinula chloropus - Juvenile. L 32-35cm. Familiar wetland bird. Swims with jerky movements and constantly flicks its tail. Often tame on urban lakes. Sexes are similar. Adult can look all-dark but has dark blue-grey head, neck and underparts, and brownish back, wings and tail. Has yellow-tipped red bill and frontal shield, and yellow legs and long toes. Note white feathers on sides of undertail and a white line along flanks. Juvenile is greyish brown with white on throat, sides of undertail coverts, and along flanks. Voice Utters a loud kurrrk. Status Common resident on all sorts of wetland habitats, from village ponds to flooded gravel pits and lakes.
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  • Guillemot Uria aalge L 42cm. Familiar seabird that nests in densely packed breeding colonies. Swims well and flies on whirring wingbeats. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has chocolate-brown head and upperparts (darkest in N birds) and white underparts. Bill is dark and dagger-like; so-called ‘Bridled Guillemot’ has white ‘spectacle’ around eye. In winter, has white on cheeks and throat but black line running back from eye. Voice Utters growling calls at breeding colonies. Status Locally numerous at seabird colonies with precipitous cliff ledges. Moves offshore outside breeding season. Suffers badly in oil spills.
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  • Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis W 105-110cm. Gull-like but recognised by tube nostrils and by stiffly held wings and effortless gliding flight. Swims buoyantly; gathers in groups where feeding is good. Sexes are similar. Adult typically has blue-grey upperwings and back. Head, underparts and tail are white. Has dark smudge around eye. Dark-phase (from Arctic) is blue-grey and seen occasionally. Juvenile is similar to adult. Voice Utters gurgling cackles and grunts. Status Locally common. Nests colonially on sea cliff ledges. Otherwise, seen gliding over sea.
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  • Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis W 105-110cm. Gull-like but recognised by tube nostrils and by stiffly held wings and effortless gliding flight. Swims buoyantly; gathers in groups where feeding is good. Sexes are similar. Adult typically has blue-grey upperwings and back. Head, underparts and tail are white. Has dark smudge around eye. Dark-phase (from Arctic) is blue-grey and seen occasionally. Juvenile is similar to adult. Voice Utters gurgling cackles and grunts. Status Locally common. Nests colonially on sea cliff ledges. Otherwise, seen gliding over sea.
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  • Puffin Fratercula arctica L 30cm. Endearing seabird. Flies on narrow wings with whirring wingbeats. Swims well and dive frequently for fish. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has mainly dark upperparts with dusky face; underparts are white. Legs are orange-red and bill is huge, flattened and marked with red, blue and yellow. In winter, similar but with dark grey face and smaller, duller bill. Juvenile is similar to winter adult but with small, dark and dull bill. Voice Utters groaning calls at nest. Status Locally common. Only comes ashore in breeding season. Colonial nester, excavating burrows in grassy cliffs. Only storm-driven, sick or oiled birds are seen near land in winter.
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