Red-throated Diver vs Northern Gannet

The Red-throated Diver and the Northern Gannet are distinct in both appearance and behavior. The Diver is a smaller, more streamlined bird with a distinctive red throat patch during breeding, while the Gannet is larger, with striking white plumage and black wingtips. Their habitats and foraging behaviors also differ significantly, with the Diver frequenting small lakes and the Gannet being a coastal, plunge-diving seabird.

1. Size and Shape: Look for the smaller, more streamlined Red-throated Diver versus the larger, robust Northern Gannet. 2. Plumage: Note the red throat patch on the Diver during breeding and the Gannet's white body with black wingtips. 3. Behavior: Observe the Diver's flight between lakes and marine areas, contrasting with the Gannet's dramatic plunge-diving. 4. Habitat: Divers are found on small lakes, while Gannets are coastal. 5. Calls: Listen for the Diver's loud calls during breeding season.

The Red-throated Diver is smaller and more slender compared to the larger, robust Northern Gannet.

The Red-throated Diver has a gray body with a red throat patch during breeding, while the Northern Gannet is predominantly white with black wingtips and a yellowish head.

Red-throated Divers are central-place foragers, flying between breeding lakes and marine foraging areas. Northern Gannets are plunge-divers, often seen diving from great heights to catch fish.

Red-throated Divers breed on small arctic and boreal lakes, while Northern Gannets nest in large colonies on coastal cliffs and islands.

The Red-throated Diver's call is described as cacophonous, especially during breeding. Northern Gannets are generally quieter, with calls mainly heard at colonies.