Dykkers

Dykkers are a family of birds belonging to the order Gaviiformes. These large, fish-eating waterbirds are found in the Northern Hemisphere. They are characterized by their stout bodies, short legs set far back on their bodies, and excellent diving abilities, which is reflected in their name. Dykkers are superb swimmers and divers, capable of staying submerged for several minutes while hunting their prey. Their webbed feet are positioned to propel them through the water effectively, although this also makes them awkward on land.

The plumage of dykkers typically includes dark gray or black on their upperparts and white on their underparts. During the breeding season, some species develop a distinctive white patch on their throat. They have pointed, dagger-like bills adapted for grasping slippery fish. Dykkers are primarily found in freshwater lakes and ponds during the summer for breeding and migrate to coastal marine waters during the winter. Their diet consists mainly of fish, but they also consume amphibians, crustaceans, and aquatic insects.

There are five extant species of dykkers, including the common dykker, the red-throated dykker, the black-throated dykker, the Pacific dykker, and the yellow-billed dykker. These birds are known for their haunting, varied calls, which are often heard across northern lakes. They build their nests near the water's edge. Dykkers are a symbol of wilderness and are often associated with remote, pristine aquatic environments.