Red-throated Loon
Least ConcernGavia stellata
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Red-throated Loon is a sleek, medium-sized waterbird with distinctive breeding plumage. Its back is grey with white speckles, which contrast with its white underside and striking red throat patch.
In winter, the red throat disappears, replaced by a white neck and grey head. Juveniles resemble winter adults but have finer white speckling on their backs.
Size
Length
53cm to 69cm
Wingspan
106cm to 116cm
Weight
1000g to 2.5kg
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Grey White
Secondary Colour
Red Black
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Black
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Red-throated Loons breed in Arctic and subarctic regions across North America, Europe, and Asia. They nest near freshwater ponds but often feed in nearby marine environments.
During winter, they migrate to coastal waters in temperate regions. In North America, they're found along both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, while in Europe, they frequent the North Sea and Baltic coasts.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 500 meters
Climate zones
Subarctic, Temperate, Arctic
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Red-throated Loon. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Red-throated Loon demonstrates remarkable agility in water, being an excellent swimmer and diver. Its unique ability among loons to take off from land, albeit with difficulty, also contributes to its high agility rating. Their low, direct flight pattern over water further showcases their aerial manoeuvrability.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
While not exceptionally strong for their size, Red-throated Loons possess sufficient strength to propel themselves underwater efficiently and carry fish in their bills to feed their young. Their ability to migrate long distances also indicates a good level of muscular strength.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
These birds show high adaptability, breeding in Arctic regions but wintering in temperate coastal areas. Their ability to forage in both freshwater and marine environments, including very shallow waters, demonstrates their adaptable nature. However, their sensitivity to habitat disturbance slightly tempers this rating.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Red-throated Loons are not particularly aggressive birds, but they do defend their breeding territories and engage in synchronised displays during the breeding season. Their main aggressive behaviours are likely directed towards predators threatening their eggs or chicks.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The Red-throated Loon exhibits exceptional endurance. As long-distance migrants, they travel vast distances between their Arctic breeding grounds and temperate wintering areas. Their ability to dive repeatedly for food and survive in harsh Arctic conditions during breeding season further supports this high endurance rating.
Diet
Red-throated Loons primarily feed on small fish, which they catch by diving and pursuing underwater. Their diet also includes crustaceans, molluscs, and aquatic insects.
Unlike other loons, they often forage in very shallow water, sometimes in areas only 20-30 cm deep.
Behaviour
Red-throated Loons are excellent swimmers and divers, propelling themselves underwater with their feet. They have a unique ability among loons to take off directly from land, albeit with some difficulty.
During the breeding season, pairs engage in synchronised swimming and calling displays.
Vocalisation
Red-throated Loons have a variety of vocalisations, including a distinctive yodelling call used during the breeding season. This call sounds like a series of loud, wailing 'kwow-kwow-kwow' notes.
In flight, they produce a repeated 'gag-gag-gag' sound, reminiscent of a goose's honk.
Nesting & Breeding
Red-throated Loons form monogamous pairs and return to the same breeding sites annually. The breeding season typically begins in May or June, depending on the latitude.
Nests are built close to water, often on small islands or shorelines of ponds. The female usually lays two olive-brown eggs with dark spots. Both parents share incubation duties.
Incubation lasts about 24-29 days, and the chicks fledge after 6-7 weeks. Parents often carry small fish in their bills to feed the young, a behaviour unique among loons.
Lifespan
The Red-throated Loon typically lives for 8 to 10 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 24 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While currently listed as Least Concern globally, Red-throated Loons face threats from oil spills, fishing net entanglement, and habitat disturbance.
Climate change impacts on their Arctic breeding grounds are a growing concern, prompting ongoing monitoring efforts.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for them in coastal areas during the winter months
- Listen for their distinctive yodelling call during the breeding season
- Observe their low, direct flight pattern over water
- In the UK, watch for them at estuaries and sheltered bays from autumn to spring
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Red-throated Diver
Family:
GaviidaePredators
Main predators include large gulls, jaegers, foxes, and occasionally large fish. Eggs and chicks are particularly vulnerable to predation.
Did You Know?
- Red-throated Loons can take off from land, which is unique among loon species.
- They are the smallest and lightest of all loon species.
- Their eyes turn red during the breeding season.
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Similar Birds
References
- 2
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Gavia stellata. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22697829A131942584.
View source - 3 4
report, 2015: Wetlands International
- 1
website, 2012: Robinson and Clark, The Online Ringing Report: Bird ringing in Britain & Ireland in 2011
View source