ExploreBird

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

The Red-throated Loon is a smaller loon with a lovely red throat during the breeding season! It is known for its beautiful calls and graceful swimming.

Habitat: Coastal waters and lakes

Appearance

The Red-throated Loon has a slender neck, a grey head, and a distinctive reddish-brown throat patch during breeding season. Its back is dark, contrasting with a white belly, and its bill is often held slightly upturned. It appears streamlined in the water.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderGaviiformesFamilyGaviidaeGenusGavia

Red-throated Loon

Interesting facts

Baby Red-throated Loons often ride on their parents' backs to stay warm and safe from predators.

Red-throated Loons build their nests so close to water they can slip straight in if danger approaches!

Their legs are so far back on their body they are great swimmers but clumsy wobblers on land!

Unlike most birds, they can drink saltwater, helping them survive in coastal wintering areas.

Special abilities

Red-throated Loons can dive deep and stay submerged for minutes because of their dense bones and powerful, rear-placed legs.

The Red-throated Loon needs to run across the water's surface to gain enough speed to take flight.

Red-throated Loons have a long, flexible neck that helps them quickly stab and catch slippery fish underwater.

Measurements & details

Length: 53-69 cm
Wingspan: 106-116 cm
Weight: 1-2.7 kg
Lifespan: 12-20 years
Top Speed: 75 km/h
Clutch Size: 1-2
Incubation: 24-29 days
Migration Distance: 5000 km

Diet & Feeding

These expert fish hunters dive deep underwater to catch their slippery prey.

Primary Foods

Small fish (e.g., cod, herring, capelin)
Crustaceans
Aquatic insects

Foraging Method

Pursuit

Ecological connections

eaten by

Atlantic Cod

Gadus morhua

Important food source in winter.

eaten by

Capelin

Mallotus villosus

A key prey species in northern waters.

eaten by

Glaucous Gull

Larus hyperboreus

Preys on loon eggs and chicks.

eaten by

Red Fox

Vulpes vulpes

Opportunistic predator of eggs and chicks.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Feathered

These are animals covered in soft, beautiful feathers that help them fly, stay warm, and even attract mates! Think of all the amazing birds you know.

Piscivorous

Discover amazing animals that love to eat fish! They're like expert underwater hunters, always on the lookout for a tasty meal from the rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Coastal

Discover life found along the edges where land meets the sea! These habitats are always changing with the tides and waves, offering unique environments.

Aquatic

Discover amazing creatures that call water their home, whether it's oceans, rivers, or lakes! These habitats are full of incredible life.

Migratory

Follow incredible journeys across the world! These animals travel far and wide at different times of the year, often to find better food or warmer places.