Species Profile
Red-throated Loon
Gavia stellata
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
8–10 years[4]
Length
53–69 cm
Weight
1000–2500 g
Wingspan
106–116 cm
Migration
Long-distance Migrant
Also known as: Red-throated Diver
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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.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Grey
- Secondary
- Red
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Black
Markings
Red throat during breeding season
Tail: Short and pointed
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & 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.
Distribution
Where to See This Bird
Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.
Scotland
Wales
East Riding of Yorkshire
East Sussex
Kent
Northumberland
Norfolk
North Yorkshire
Tyne and Wear
Suffolk
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.
Calls & Sounds
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.
Conservation
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.
Population
Estimated: 200,000 - 600,000 individuals[3]
Trend: Decreasing[2]
Some populations decreasing due to habitat loss and other threats
Elevation
Sea level to 500 meters
Additional Details
- Egg size:
- Approximately 7cm x 5cm
- Predators:
- Main predators include large gulls, jaegers, foxes, and occasionally large fish. Eggs and chicks are particularly vulnerable to predation.
- Alarm calls:
- Sharp, short chirps
- Breeding age:
- 2-3
- Maturity age:
- 2-3
- Feeding times:
- Primarily at dawn and dusk
- Major threats:
- Habitat loss, pollution, disturbance
- Parental care:
- Both parents incubate and care for chicks
- Primary calls:
- Series of mournful yodels and wails
- Social habits:
- Solitary, pairs during breeding season
- Egg appearance:
- Variable, but often olive-brown with dark spots
- Feeding habits:
- Dives underwater to catch prey
- Breeding season:
- Late spring to early summer
- Diet variations:
- Varies with location and season
- Fledging period:
- Approximately 6-7 weeks
- Average lifespan:
- 15
- Call description:
- Varied, often melodious calls, particularly during breeding season
- Daily activities:
- Active predominantly during the day, foraging and tending to young
- Nesting location:
- Near freshwater lakes, usually on small islands or floating vegetation
- Number of broods:
- One
- Incubation period:
- Around 24-29 days
- Nest construction:
- Simple scrape, sometimes lined with vegetation
- Migration patterns:
- Annual migration between breeding and wintering areas
- Migratory patterns:
- Long-distance migrant, travels to coastal waters in winter
- Age related changes:
- Plumage dulls with age
- Prey capture method:
- Underwater pursuit
- Conservation efforts:
- Protected in many areas, conservation programs in place
- Territorial behavior:
- Defends nesting sites
- Reproductive behavior:
- Usually monogamous
- Special dietary needs:
- None known
- Clutch characteristics:
- 1-2 eggs
- Interaction with other species:
- Generally solitary, but may form loose flocks during migration
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
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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