Divers (called Loons in N America) are large water birds, with long, pointed bills and large webbed feet set well back on the body. They are accomplished swimmers and divers, and never venture far from water, even to nest. In flight their long, pointed wings and hump-backed, neck down appearance is characteristic. Divers can remain submerged for up to 2 minutes at a time, cover a distance of 100m and reach depths of 60m.
 
There are five species worldwide, in Europe and North America. Three breed in Europe and another is a regular but scarce winter visitor.