Red-throated Loon

Are you familiar with the bird called the Red-throated Loon? It may be well known in some regions. You might have heard of it under a different name, but many may not know about it. Let's talk about what kind of bird the Red-throated Loon is.

Red-throated Loon Basic Infomation

Class: Birds, Order: Loons, Family: Loon, Genus: Loon

Total length: 53-69cm

Wing span: 106-116cm

The Red-throated Loon primarily lives on water. It inhabits the northern parts of the North American and Eurasian continents, but during winter, it migrates south to areas north of Kyushu, Japan to escape the harsh winter.

In Japan, it is only seen in winter, so it is considered a winter bird. In Hokkaido, it is seen as a migratory bird because it passes through during migration.

While larger than a crow, it is the smallest bird in the loon family, illustrating how large loon family birds generally are.

It is covered in gray feathers with a mottled pattern, which changes between summer and winter.

In summer, the head turns gray, and the front of the neck becomes reddish.

In winter, the head turns black, and the neck to the belly turns white.

It's like they change their clothes just like humans do.

Since it's a water bird, unlike flying birds, its legs are attached towards the rear of the body, which aids in swimming and diving.

Red-throated Loon Q&A

What is the origin of the Red-throated Loon's name?

The name 'Red-throated Loon' derives from its characteristic red throat patch seen during the breeding season. The genus name 'Gavia' comes from Latin, which historically referred to seabirds. The specific name 'stellata' points to the star-like white spots on its back during the summer.

Why does the Red-throated Loon live there?

Red-throated Loons are highly adapted to aquatic life. They prefer cold northern waters where they can find their food, mainly fish. In winter, they migrate to slightly warmer coastal waters or ice-free lakes where food is still abundant.

What does the Red-throated Loon eat?

Their diet consists primarily of fish. However, they also eat aquatic invertebrates, including crustaceans and insects. They are excellent divers, catching most of their prey underwater.

Can Red-throated Loons walk on land?

Red-throated Loons are not adept at walking due to their legs being positioned far back on their bodies. This anatomical feature aids in swimming and diving but makes land movement awkward and limited to pushing themselves along on their bellies.

How do Red-throated Loons reproduce?

Red-throated Loons nest once a year by freshwater lakes in the Arctic tundra during the brief northern summer. They lay 1-2 eggs directly on the ground in a scrape or on a mound of vegetation. Both parents share in incubation duties, which lasts about 24-29 days.

Do Red-throated Loons molt?

Yes, they undergo a molt twice a year, switching from a cryptic grayish winter plumage to a more strikingly patterned summer plumage with a bright red throat that gives them their name. The molt begins in late winter and is complete by the breeding season.

Is the Red-throated Loon involved in traditional fishing methods?

In some indigenous cultures of the Arctic, the Red-throated Loon's arrival in spring is traditionally seen as an indicator to start fishing. Their migration patterns have been closely observed by local people to predict the best fishing times.

Is the Red-throated Loon considered a natural monument or protected in any regions?

In some regions, particularly in Japan, the Red-throated Loon is considered a protected species under local environmental laws. This protection aims to preserve its breeding grounds from industrial development and pollution.

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Red-throated Loon Type of List

Red-throated Loon (Main type)
Large-billed Loon
Black-throated Loon
White-necked Large-billed Loon
Loon

Information

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