Gavia arctica
The Black-throated Loon, *Gavia arctica*, is a striking medium-sized member of the Gaviidae family, renowned for its sleek profile and aquatic prowess. Adults in breeding plumage sport a distinctive velvety black throat patch, set against a pale grey head and nape, contrasting sharply with their white belly and striped white flank patches. Measuring approximately 58-73 cm (23-29 in) in length with a wingspan of 110-130 cm (43-51 in) and weighing 2-3 kg (4.4-6.6 lbs), it is smaller than the Co...
Breeds on large, clear freshwater lakes and slow-moving rivers in tundra and boreal forest zones. Winters primarily on coastal marine waters, sheltered bays, and occasionally large inland lakes or estuaries.
Feeds predominantly on small to medium-sized fish caught through pursuit diving, supplemented with crustaceans, mollusks, and aquatic insects, especially when fish are scarce.
Black-throated Loons are primarily diurnal, spending their days foraging and defending territories. They are expert pursuit divers, propelling themselves underwater with powerful feet to catch fish, often remaining submerged for 30-60 seconds. On their breeding grounds, they are fiercely territor...
The Black-throated Loon (*Gavia arctica*) boasts a wide Holarctic distribution, primarily breeding across northern Eurasia and a disjunct population in western Alaska and northwestern Canada. In Europe, breeding grounds extend from Scandinavia eastward across Russia to Siberia. The North American...
Least Concern
- The Black-throated Loon has solid bones, unlike most birds, which makes it less buoyant and helps it dive deeper and more efficiently. - They have specially adapted legs placed far back on their bodies, excellent for powerful swimming and diving but making them extremely clumsy and almost unabl...