Size: 46–51 cm long with a 59–73 cm wingspan and weigh 0.9 to 1.5 kg.

Habitat: vegetated areas of freshwater lakes.

Behaviour: feeds mainly on fish, but also small crustaceans, insects, small frogs and newts. Migratory bird; it returns to Latvia at the end of March – in the beginning of April, and migrates to warmer countries in October. Some birds do not migrate. In Latvia, there are 5,000 – 8,000 couples.

Interesting and important facts: It is an excellent swimmer and diver, and pursues its fish prey underwater. It can stay underwater for up to 2 minutes and swim about 40 metres at a time. The bird has unpalatable meat that smells very strongly of fish, making it impossible to eat.

Photo: pixabay.com