Red-throated Loon
Gavia stellata
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Gavia stellata
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Mass
~2 kg
Habitat
Wetlands and marshes
Diet
Fish and aquatic animals
How to recognize it
The Red-throated Loon is a compact, neat-looking water hunter that sits fairly high on the water and usually seems calm and collected. In the breeding season, a rusty throat patch stands out; at other times it looks much plainer and more restrained.
It swims and dives well, taking prey underwater in silence, and when alarmed it may slip down quickly or lie almost flat on the surface. Its voice is hard to miss — from rough, goose-like cackles to mewing and wailing calls, especially around pairs and nesting territory.
It breeds on small lakes but feeds on larger lakes, rivers, and coastal waters. Fish make up most of its diet, though it also takes other aquatic food; in winter it stays along unfrozen northern shores.
Quick Facts
Listen to the call
The Red-throated Loon is a compact, neat-looking water hunter that sits fairly high on the water and usually seems calm and collected. In the breeding season, a rusty throat patch stands out; at other times it looks much plainer and more restrained.
It swims and dives well, taking prey underwater in silence, and when alarmed it may slip down quickly or lie almost flat on the surface. Its voice is hard to miss — from rough, goose-like cackles to mewing and wailing calls, especially around pairs and nesting territory.
It breeds on small lakes but feeds on larger lakes, rivers, and coastal waters. Fish make up most of its diet, though it also takes other aquatic food; in winter it stays along unfrozen northern shores.
How to recognize it
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Sources
- eBird — Gavia stellata Sightings map and full description on eBird
- Wikipedia — Red-throated loon Encyclopedia article