Red-throated Loon
ExploreBirds
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
Category
BirdsRarity
Rare
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
3
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
Ability
Submarine Swimmer
Red-throated Loons can dive deep and stay submerged for minutes because of their dense bones and powerful, rear-placed legs.
Ability
Surface Sprint
The Red-throated Loon needs to run across the water's surface to gain enough speed to take flight.
Ability
Quick Stab
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
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Feathered
Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers.
Piscivorous
Piscivorous organisms are animals that primarily subsist on a diet of fish.
Coastal
Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater.
Aquatic
Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
Migratory
Migratory animals undertake seasonal movements from one region to another, typically in response to changes in climate or food availability.
Also known as
Red-throated Diver
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Watch quietly from a distance and never try to feed or chase wild animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Red-throated Loon?
53-69 cm
What is Red-throated Loon's wingspan?
106-116 cm
How much does Red-throated Loon weigh?
1-2.7 kg
How long does Red-throated Loon live?
12-20 years
How fast can Red-throated Loon move?
75 km/h
What does Red-throated Loon eat?
These expert fish hunters dive deep underwater to catch their slippery prey.
Where is Red-throated Loon usually found?
Coastal waters and lakes
How does Red-throated Loon hunt?
Pursuit
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Where to spot
Park30 sightings19 species
New York, US
Coindre Hall Park
You might spot Red Maple, Black Tupelo, and Sensitive Fern.
View guide →
Zoo28 sightings16 species
Connecticut, US
Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo
You might spot Gray Wolf, Tiger, and Ocelot.
View guide →
Park8 sightings8 species
New York, US
Canarsie Park
You might spot Common Mugwort, Snow Goose × Brant, and Spotted Lanternfly.
View guide →
