Great Northern Diver vs Leach's Storm-Petrel

The Great Northern Diver (Common Loon) and Leach's Storm-Petrel are distinctly different in size and habitat preference. The diver is a large, robust waterbird often found on lakes and coastal waters, while the storm-petrel is a small, delicate seabird typically seen over open oceans. Their plumage and behavior also differ significantly, aiding identification.

Size and habitat: Look for the large size and freshwater or coastal habitat of the diver versus the small size and oceanic habitat of the storm-petrel. Plumage: Note the diver's checkered back and black head in breeding plumage compared to the storm-petrel's dark body with a white rump. Behavior: Observe the strong diving behavior of the diver versus the fluttering, bounding flight of the storm-petrel. Vocalization: Listen for the diver's haunting calls on lakes, while the storm-petrel is mostly silent at sea.

The Great Northern Diver is much larger, with a length of about 70-90 cm, compared to the small Leach's Storm-Petrel, which measures around 18-21 cm.

The diver has a striking black-and-white checkered back and a black head in breeding plumage, while the storm-petrel is mostly dark with a distinctive white rump.

Great Northern Divers are strong swimmers and divers, often seen diving for fish in freshwater or coastal waters. Leach's Storm-Petrels flutter over the ocean surface with a distinctive bounding flight pattern, often feeding on plankton and small fish.

Great Northern Divers are found on large lakes and coastal waters, especially during breeding season. In contrast, Leach's Storm-Petrels are pelagic, spending most of their life over open oceans and only coming to land to breed.

The Great Northern Diver is known for its eerie, wailing calls, often heard on northern lakes. Leach's Storm-Petrel is generally silent at sea, but emits a purring or cooing sound at breeding colonies.