Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata · Migratory aquatic bird found in the northern hemisphere
Family
Order
Gaviiformes
Codes
retloo, RTLO, RTDI

About the Red-throated Loon

The red-throated loon or red-throated diver is a migratory aquatic bird found in the Northern Hemisphere. The most widely distributed member of the loon or diver family, it breeds primarily in Arctic regions, and it winters in northern coastal waters. Ranging from 55 to 67 centimetres in length, the red-throated loon is the smallest and lightest of the world's loons. In winter, it is a nondescript bird, greyish above, fading to white below. During the breeding season, it acquires the distinctive reddish throat patch, which is the basis for its common name. Fish form the bulk of its diet, though amphibians, invertebrates, and plant material are sometimes eaten as well. A monogamous species, red-throated loons form long-term pair bonds. Both members of the pair help to build the nest, incubate the eggs, and feed the hatched young.

Source: Wikipedia

Taxonomy & Classification

KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassAves
OrderGaviiformes
FamilyLoons (Gaviidae)
SpeciesGavia stellata
Species Codesretloo, RTLO, RTDI

Frequently Asked Questions

What family does the Red-throated Loon belong to?

The Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata) belongs to the Loons family (Gaviidae), in the order Gaviiformes.

How can I identify the Red-throated Loon?

The red-throated loon or red-throated diver is a migratory aquatic bird found in the Northern Hemisphere. The most widely distributed member of the loon or diver family, it breeds primarily in Arctic regions, and it winters in northern coastal waters. Ranging from 55 to 67 centimetres in length, the...

Where can I report a Red-throated Loon sighting?

You can log sightings of Red-throated Loon on eBird (ebird.org) using species code retloo, or on iNaturalist.