Habitat
During the breeding season on medium to large lakes where there are plenty of fish. Outside the breeding season on coastal waters and very occasionally large inland lakes and reservoirs.
Unknown to Austria (NB), Bulgaria (NB), Czech Republic (NB), Germany (NB) (P), Italy (NB), Romania (NB), Slovakia (Slovak Republic) (NB), Slovenia (NB), Sweden (NB), Switzerland (NB), Ukraine (NB).
Mainly Nearctic, where breeds between 48° northern and Arctic Circle, in places south to c. 40° north, and north to c. 78° N; in northern Atlantic also breeds in Greenland, Iceland, Bear I and very occasionally Scotland. Winters mainly along coasts of northern Atlantic and north-eastern Pacific, also stopping off in Great Lakes.
Mainly the coasts of north-west Scotland in summer, but in winter also the coasts of Britain and Ireland.
Population
Estimated population is 610,000 - 640,000 (2010).
Status LC
Very few breed in Great Britain (Scotland). The numbers increase in winter but have recently declined.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Food
Mainly fish. Occasionally crustaceans, insects and their larvae.
Voice
Generally silent, but an eerie wail, and barking quack when flying.
The Reader's Digest Book of British Birds 1980, 3rd Edition, Drive Publications Ltd ISBN 0 340 25308 8
Birds in Colour Campbell, B., 1960, Penguin Books Ltd
The Pocket Guide to Nest and Eggs Fitter, R.S.R., 1954, Collins
RSPB Handbook of British Birds Holden, P., Cleeves, T., 2002, A & C Black ISBN 0 7136 5713 8
Birds of Britain and Europe Sterry, P., et al., 2001, AA Publishing ISBN 0 7495 3068 5
The Popular Handbook of British Birds Hollom, P.A.D., 1973, H.F. & G. Witherby Ltd ISBN 0 85493 002 7
BirdLife International Species Factsheet