diver

diver, general term used to refer to many diving birds, e.g., the loon, the grebe, and some ducks, auks, and penguins.

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loon

 or diver

Common loon, or great northern diver (Gavia immer)

(credit: Wayne Lankinen—Bruce Coleman Ltd.)

Any of four species (genus Gavia) of diving birds of North America and Eurasia. Loons range in length from 2 to 3 ft (60–90 cm). They have small pointed wings, webs between the front three toes, legs placed far back on the body, making walking awkward, and thick plumage that is mainly black or gray above and white below. They feed mainly on fishes, crustaceans, and insects. Almost wholly aquatic, they can swim long distances underwater and can dive to a depth of 200 ft (60 m). They are generally found singly or in pairs, but some species winter or migrate in flocks. They are known for their eerie, “laughing” cries.

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diver

1. any aquatic bird of the genus Gavia, family Gaviidae, and order Gaviiformes of northern oceans, having a straight pointed bill, small wings, and a long body: noted for swiftness and skill in swimming and diving

2. any of various other diving birds

3. Soccer slang a player who pretends to have been tripped or impeded by an opposing player in order to win a free kick or penalty