UK Wildlife

Black-throated Diver Scottish Lochs

The black-throated diver is a magnificent but scarce breeding bird of large Scottish lochs, requiring undisturbed water edges for nesting and dependent on fish-rich freshwater lakes.

Key Facts

Black-throated diver needs large, fish-rich lochs for breeding and feeding
UK breeding population only around 220 pairs, all in Scotland
Distinguished by black throat and bold black-and-white chequered back in summer
Nest on shores of large lochs, vulnerable to water level changes and disturbance
More closely associated with freshwater than red-throated diver

Welfare Considerations

Black-throated diver is one of Scotland's most restricted breeding birds. Water level fluctuations from hydro-electricity generation can flood nests. RSPB artificial island installation has provided more secure nest sites. Boat disturbance on breeding lochs displaces birds from nests.

What You Can Do

Support RSPB nest platform schemes for black-throated divers on Scottish lochs
Maintain respectful distances from loch shores during diver breeding season
Advocate for hydro-electricity management that considers breeding diver welfare