Gavia stellata
The Red-throated Loon, or Red-throated Diver, is the smallest and most delicate member of the Gaviidae family, distinguished by its slender build and unique, slightly upturned bill. Measuring 53-69 cm (21-27 inches) in length with a wingspan of 106-121 cm (42-48 inches) and weighing 1-2.5 kg (2.2-5.5 lbs), it is instantly recognizable in breeding plumage by its striking brick-red throat patch, pale gray head, and finely streaked dark back. Non-breeding adults are plainer, exhibiting a dark gr...
This species primarily inhabits shallow freshwater ponds, small tundra lakes, and slow-moving rivers in its breeding range, often near coastal areas. During the non-breeding season, it favors sheltered coastal marine waters, estuaries, and large inland lakes.
Their diet consists mainly of small fish, but also includes crustaceans, aquatic insects, and some amphibians. They are expert pursuit divers, actively hunting their prey underwater.
Red-throated Loons are primarily diurnal, spending much of their active hours diving for food. Their foraging strategy involves pursuit diving, using their powerful webbed feet to propel themselves underwater to capture prey. On breeding grounds, they are fiercely territorial, defending their nes...
The Red-throated Loon boasts a wide circumpolar distribution, breeding across the Arctic tundra and boreal forest zones of North America, Europe, and Asia. In North America, its breeding range spans Alaska, northern Canada, and Greenland. During the winter, these birds migrate south to coastal ma...
Least Concern
- The Red-throated Loon is the smallest of all loon species, making it notably more agile in flight. - It is the only loon species capable of taking off directly from land or very small pools of water, a unique adaptation. - Its flight profile is distinctive, often appearing to fly with a slightl...