Red-throated Loon

Overview

Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata) is a species of Loons (Gaviidae) in the order Loons (Divers). The smallest loon, with a reddish throat patch in breeding plumage; the most marine loon, flying over the sea; nests on small arctic tundra pools; feeds on fish caught by diving.

Scientific Classification

Genus: Gavia; binomial: Gavia stellata; authority: (Pontoppidan, 1763). Typical size: 55-70cm. Average lifespan: 15-25 years.

Distribution

Breeding range: the Nearctic and the Palearctic. Non-breeding range: North Atlantic and North Pacific coasts and seas: s to n Florida, Iberian Pen., Mediterranean, Black and Caspian seas; Japan, Korean Pen. and Yellow Sea; to n Baja California (nw Mexico).

Conservation Status

This taxon is listed as Extant (living) in the IOC World Bird List.

Remarks

No additional remarks recorded.