This specialist breeds on deep, productive, freshwater lakes (Billerman et al. 2020) or extensive pools with islets, peninsulas and other inaccessible nesting sites (Snow and Perrins 1998). Outside of the breeding season the species is most common on inshore waters along sheltered coasts (Billerman et al. 2020), occasionally also frequenting large inland freshwater bodies (Flint et al. 1984, Billerman et al. 2020) such as natural lakes or barrages, lagoons and large rivers (Snow and Perrins 1998). It breeds in isolated solitary pairs (Snow and Perrins 1998, Billerman et al. 2020) from April onwards (Flint et al. 1984), although nesting occurs later further to the north depending on the timing of the thaw. The nest is a heap of plant matter placed near the water's edge (Billerman et al. 2020) on islets or hummocks emerging from the water, sometimes also on clumps of grass on the shore (Flint et al. 1984). Clutches are almost always two. Its diet consists predominantly of fish although aquatic insects, molluscs, crustaceans and some plant matter may also be taken. This species is migratory and dispersive, generally moving south post-breeding (Billerman et al. 2020).

Although the generation length for both EU and Europe regional assessments were calculated using the same methodology, new information arriving after the EU assessments were undertaken gave rise to an update in the generation lengths. This new information was then used for the Europe level assessments giving rise to a difference between the generation lengths used for the EU and Europe regions.

In Europe, the species breeds primarily in the European part of Russia, with smaller numbers in Finland, Sweden and Norway.

Conservation Actions Underway
CMS Appendix II (Gavia arctica arctica). EU Birds directive Annex I. Bern Convention Appendix II. Artificial nesting areas have been created to improve breeding success of this species and in Sweden nesting islands and the surrounding areas have been included in sanctuaries (Sibley and Monroe 1990).

Conservation Actions Proposed
Key breeding sites should be identified and site protection implemented against development and human disturbance. Tighter legislation should be developed as well as penalties (national and international) associated with oil pollution from offshore developments and transport. Promote the proper use of corrective measures in longline fisheries to avoid accidental capture of birds.