The red-throated loon (Gavia stellata) is a migratory aquatic bird found in the northern hemisphere. The species is known by several common names including red-throated diver, red-throated loon, red-throated dipper, and speared diver. But what exactly is the scientific name for this bird?
The Genus Name Gavia
The genus name for the red-throated loon is Gavia. This genus contains 5 living species of loons or divers:
- Red-throated loon (Gavia stellata)
- Arctic loon (Gavia arctica)
- Pacific loon (Gavia pacifica)
- Common loon (Gavia immer)
- Yellow-billed loon (Gavia adamsii)
Here is a table summarizing the species in the Gavia genus:
Common Name | Scientific Name |
---|---|
Red-throated loon | Gavia stellata |
Arctic loon | Gavia arctica |
Pacific loon | Gavia pacifica |
Common loon | Gavia immer |
Yellow-billed loon | Gavia adamsii |
The genus name Gavia comes from the Latin word gavia meaning “sea mew”, referring to the loons’ oceanic habitats and superficial resemblance to seagulls. The genus was first scientifically described in 1785 by the German naturalist Johann Friedrich Gmelin.
The Species Name stellata
The specific epithet of the red-throated loon’s scientific name is stellata. This Latin word means “starry” and refers to the bird’s speckled black and white plumage on its back in breeding season. During winter, the speckling disappears and the back feathers become a more uniform gray color.
Here’s a summary of the full scientific name:
- Genus: Gavia
- Specific epithet: stellata
- Full scientific name: Gavia stellata
The species was first scientifically described in 1758 by the Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus, who gave it the binomial name Colymbus stellatus. It was later moved to the genus Gavia.
Naming Conventions in Binomial Nomenclature
The two-part Latin scientific name for a species is known as its binomial name or binomial nomenclature. This naming system was created by Carl Linnaeus in the 18th century to standardize biological classification.
Here are some key points about binomial scientific names:
- The first part of the name is the genus, which is always capitalized.
- The second part is the specific epithet, which is never capitalized.
- Both names are usually derived from Latin or Greek words.
- The names are always italicized when written.
- There are rules governing the publication and priority of scientific names.
Using a two-word naming system helps differentiate between closely related species while also organizing life into a hierarchical classification system. The binomial nomenclature naming convention is still used today for all organisms.
Describing the Red-Throated Loon
Now that we’ve covered the scientific name, here is some more background on the red-throated loon itself:
- Length ranges from 53-73 cm with a wingspan of 90-130 cm.
- Adults weigh 1.4-3.1 kg on average.
- The breeding plumage has a gray head and neck with a reddish-brown throat patch.
- Non-breeding plumage is gray above with white underparts.
- Bright red eyes.
- Long pointed black bill that is slightly upturned.
- Inhabit lakes, rivers, and coastal waters.
- Breed in northern North America, Greenland, and Eurasia.
- Migrate to more southern coasts and lakes in winter.
- Diet consists mainly of small fish.
- Known for their eerie, trembling calls.
The red-throated loon is the smallest of the loon species. Its distinctive breeding plumage and haunting vocalizations make it a favorite waterbird for birdwatchers across its range.
Range and Habitat
During the breeding season, the red-throated loon can be found across northern North America, Greenland, Iceland, and northern Eurasia. Its breeding range extends northward to the limits of the Arctic tundra.
It typically breeds on small ponds, lakes, and coastal lagoons. Nesting occurs very close to the water’s edge, often on small islands or floating vegetation mats. The pairs are highly territorial during breeding.
In winter, red-throated loons migrate away from their Arctic breeding areas to more temperate coastal and inland waters. They can be found along both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, as well as the Great Lakes region and scattered inland lakes.
Migration
The red-throated loon makes one of the longest migrations of any bird species. Some populations may migrate more than 4,500 miles between their breeding and wintering grounds. They travel enormous distances across land and open ocean.
Spring migration occurs in March and April as the loons fly back to their northern breeding lakes. Southward fall migration occurs in late September through November. During migration, red-throated loons typically travel singly or in small loose flocks.
Diet
The diet of the red-throated loon consists mainly of small fish. Common prey includes sand lances, capelin, sculpins, smelt, sticklebacks, and other shallow-water fish. They capture prey by diving and swimming underwater. They may also occasionally eat crustaceans, frogs, aquatic invertebrates, and some plant material.
Red-throated loons employ a unique underwater hunting strategy. They swim below the surface with their wings slightly spread, herding fish ahead of them into shallow water. Then they dive and grasp prey with their sharp bill.
Breeding
Red-throated loons return to their breeding territories as the northern lakes become ice-free in spring. They build a nest very close to the water, often on a mat of floating vegetation or small island. Nests consist of grasses, moss, and mud lined with down feathers.
The female lays 2 tan or olive-colored eggs over 1-2 days. Both parents incubate the eggs for 24-29 days. The precocial young hatch covered in dark gray down. The chicks leave the nest within a day to be brooded on the water by the parents. They fledge at around 63-77 days old.
Red-throated loons face threats on their breeding grounds from habitat degradation, disturbance, predation, and environmental contaminants. Oil spills pose a significant risk, especially to migrating and wintering birds concentrated along coastlines.
Conclusion
In summary, the scientific name for the red-throated loon is Gavia stellata. Gavia is the genus encompassing all loons, while stellata refers to this species’ speckled breeding plumage. Red-throated loons are migratory diving birds that breed on northern lakes and migrate long distances to winter along coasts and inland waters. Their eerie vocalizations and striking plumage make them a highlight for birders across their range. Threats like pollution and habitat loss make conservation efforts important for this species’ future.