Red-throated loon

Gavia stellata

A small loon that breeds on tundra lakes across the northern hemisphere and winters on coasts, named for its red breeding throat.

Key facts

Red-throated loon (Gavia stellata) is a carnivore animal classified as Bird · Gaviiformes · Gaviidae.
Primary habitats are freshwater · coast · open ocean, with a range across Nearctic · Palearctic · Arctic Ocean · Atlantic Ocean · Pacific Ocean.
Activity is diurnal, sociality is pair, and conservation status is LC (Least Concern).
A small loon that breeds on tundra lakes across the northern hemisphere and winters on coasts, named for its red breeding throat.
Breeds on small Arctic and subarctic lakes and ponds, then winters in bays, estuaries, and coastal seas.

Habitat range map

Native rangeOccasional / Transient

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

Breeds on small Arctic and subarctic lakes and ponds, then winters in bays, estuaries, and coastal seas.

It has a slim bill often held slightly upturned. Breeding adults show a gray head and reddish throat; winter birds are plainer.

It runs across water to take off and dives after fish. Pairs defend breeding lakes during the nesting season.

Small fish dominate the diet, with aquatic insects, crustaceans, and amphibians also taken.

Nests are placed low by water. Both parents incubate and bring small fish to the chicks.

Smaller than most loons, it often winters in shallow bays and estuaries. Oil pollution and fishing nets are important threats.