File:Gavia stellata -Iceland -swimming-8.jpg

Red-throated Loon

1 day ago

Points: 45

Spotted

The smallest and most agile of the loons, characterized by its slender neck and unique ability to take off from water without a long run-up. During breeding, it sports a distinctive red throat patch.

Where to spot

Breeds on shallow freshwater lakes and ponds in the Arctic tundra and sub-Arctic regions across North America, Europe, and Asia. Winters along coasts in marine waters further south.

How to spot

In summer, listen for its distinctive wailing and yodeling calls on tundra ponds. In winter, look for it diving in coastal waters, often alone or in small groups, identifiable by its slender bill and often upturned head.

When to spot

Breeding plumage and calls are characteristic of summer on northern freshwater bodies. In winter, they are typically found along coasts in muted grey and white plumage from autumn to spring.

Where to spot

Breeds on shallow freshwater lakes and ponds in the Arctic tundra and sub-Arctic regions across North America, Europe, and Asia. Winters along coasts in marine waters further south.

How to spot

When to spot

Breeding plumage and calls are characteristic of summer on northern freshwater bodies. In winter, they are typically found along coasts in muted grey and white plumage from autumn to spring.

Credits: Hopingmachine

Credits: Door Ómar Runólfsson - Red-throated Diver - Gavia stellata - LómurUploaded by Snowmanradio, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15433224

Credits: Wikimedia Commons

The Red-throated Loon is unique among loons for its ability to take flight directly from relatively small bodies of water, and even land, unlike other loons which require a long 'runway' on the water.

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