Red-throated Diver vs Northern Fulmar

In short

The Red-throated Diver and Northern Fulmar can be distinguished primarily by their habitat and behavior. The Red-throated Diver is often found in small arctic and boreal lakes during breeding, while the Northern Fulmar is typically seen in marine environments. Additionally, the Red-throated Diver has a distinctive red throat patch during breeding season, unlike the Northern Fulmar.

Identification tips

• Look for the red throat patch on the Red-throated Diver during breeding season.
• Observe the habitat: Red-throated Divers are found in lakes, while Northern Fulmars are in marine environments.
• Note behavior: Red-throated Divers fly between breeding and feeding areas, whereas Northern Fulmars are more marine-bound.

Plumage

The Red-throated Diver has relatively plain gray plumage with a distinctive red throat patch during breeding. In contrast, the Northern Fulmar does not have a red throat patch and is typically seen in light morphs.

Behaviour

The Red-throated Diver behaves as a central-place forager, flying between breeding lakes and inshore marine habitats to feed. The Northern Fulmar is more consistently found in marine environments.

Habitat

The Red-throated Diver breeds in small arctic and boreal lakes, while the Northern Fulmar is typically found in marine environments.

Voice

The Red-throated Diver's call during breeding is described as cacophonous, unlike the Northern Fulmar.