Birds come in a stunning array of colors and patterns. While many species sport modest hues of brown, gray, or black, some feature much bolder plumages of crimson, azure, or gold. Among the most striking birds are those marked with a mix of starkly contrasting colors.
One such bird combines the colors black, white, and red in a distinctive pattern. Found in backyard feeders and wetlands throughout much of North America, this small songbird is easily recognized by its namesake plumage. But what specific species has this iconic appearance? The answer: the red-throated loon.
The red-throated loon is a migratory waterbird in the genus Gavia. Measuring about 2 feet long with a 4-foot wingspan, it is the smallest of the world’s five loon species. However, it sports the same slender, torpedo-shaped body and long, pointed bill as its close relatives. In breeding plumage, the red-throated loon is adorned with a patchwork of contrasting black-and-white patterns. These include a white neck and underside, black head and back, and crisp stripes of black-and-white on the face.
Distinctive Throat Patch
Most famously, the red-throated loon has a large red or reddish-brown throat patch that gives the species its name. This splash of color stands out vividly from the black and white plumage. Though similar to other loons, the red-throated is the only species to possess this trait. The throat patch is much more prominent on males than females during the breeding season. It likely plays a role in courtship displays and mate selection.
Range and Habitat
The red-throated loon breeds primarily in the Arctic regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. It winters along both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, with some birds traveling as far south as Baja California, the Gulf of Mexico, the Mediterranean, and Japan. On the breeding grounds, it inhabits shallow lakes, ponds, and wetlands, where it builds a nest at the water’s edge. In winter, it occupies coastal habitats like estuaries, bays, harbors, and saltwater lagoons.
Migration and Wintering
One of the red-throated loon’s most impressive features is its lengthy migration. It travels enormous distances between its northerly breeding areas and southerly wintering sites. For example, a bird that summers in Alaska may migrate all the way to Baja California – a trip of over 4,000 miles! Throughout this journey, the red-throated loon rarely comes on land, resting and feeding in marine waters along the coast. Its migration takes place primarily at night.
Diet and Feeding
The red-throated loon is an expert at catching fish underwater. It propels itself using its feet and dives from the surface to depths of up to 60 feet. Underwater, the loon pursues small fish and crustaceans using its sharp vision and spear-like bill. Prey items include smelts, sticklebacks, herring, shrimp, and other aquatic creatures. It may also occasionally eat mollusks, aquatic insects, frogs, and plants.
Vocalizations
In the breeding season, red-throated loons utter a variety of yodeling, wailing, and laughing calls. Their most distinctive vocalization is a descending, slightly eerie wail, sounding similar to a wolf’s howl. Mates use this haunting tremolo call to communicate with each other on territory and when summoning young. The species’ name Gavia stellata comes from its scientific genus name, which is derived from the Latin word gavia meaning ‘seamew’, referring to its cries.
Population and Conservation Status
The global population of the red-throated loon is estimated at over 2 million breeding adults. Though still abundant, the species faces threats from oil spills, fishing bycatch, mercury contamination, and habitat loss in some parts of its range. Due to its large range and relatively stable numbers, however, its conservation status is classified as Least Concern. Maintaining suitable breeding areas and migration stopover sites will help ensure the future survival of these striking black-and-white waterbirds.
Fun Facts
- The red-throated loon breeds farther north than any other loon.
- Its genus name Gavia comes from the Latin for “sea mew”, referring to its calls.
- Chicks are able to swim and dive just one day after hatching.
- It is the only loon that regularly builds nests in trees, up to 30 feet above ground.
- The red throat patch fades after breeding and is dullest in winter.
Conclusion
With its elegant black-and-white plumage and vivid red throat adornment, the red-throated loon is one of nature’s most strikingly patterned birds. This migratory species breeds in Arctic regions before journeying thousands of miles south along coastlines to wintering grounds. An agile swimmer and diver, it deftly catches fish and aquatic invertebrates. Though widespread and abundant, it faces threats from pollution and habitat degradation in portions of its range. Protecting wetland ecosystems along migration routes will help safeguard the iconic red-throated loon for generations to come.