Red-throated Loon

Red-throated Loon, breeding adult female; June

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Red-throated Loon, non-breeding adult; Playa del Rey, CA; February

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1. Description
2. Sound
3. Conservation Status
4. Other Names
5. Cool Facts
6. Full detailed species account

The smallest of the loons, the Red-throated Loon breeds at high latitudes in North America and Eurasia. It is distinctive among loons not only in size, but also in behavior, vocalizations, locomotion, and other aspects of life history.

Description

• Large waterbird, small loon.
• Thin bill, usually tilted slightly upward.
• Long body slopes to rear.
• Sits low on water.
• Relatively slim proportions overall.
• Dives under water.
• Dark gray with a red throat in summer.
• Pale gray and white in winter.

• Size: 53-69 cm (21-27 in)
• Wingspan: 100-120 cm (39-47 in)
• Weight: 1000-2700 g (35.3-95.31 ounces)

Sex Differences

Sexes look alike, male slightly larger.

Sound

Calls include a simple wail covering a wide range of pitches, and a complex, unnerving "roll-growl."

Conservation Status

Oil spills, degradation of habitat, and entanglement in fishing nets all pose threats to the Red-throated Loon. Declines noted in Europe, Alaska, and other parts of North America; reasons not well understood.

Other Names

Plongeon catmarin (French)
Red-throated Diver (British) (English)

Cool Facts

• The Red-throated Loon, unlike other loons, does not need to patter on the water's surface on a long takeoff, but rather can take flight directly from land if necessary.
• The Red-throated Loon is the only loon that regularly forages far from its breeding territory, returning from distant lakes or the sea with fish for the young.

• Unlike other loons, the Red-throated Loon does not carry its young on its back.

• Whereas only males of other loon species vocalize, both male and female Red-throated Loons make calls, often together.

Sources used to construct this page:

Barr, J. F., C. Eberl, and J. W. McIntyre. 2000. Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata). In The Birds of North America, No. 513 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.