FOR AGES 3 YEARS TO 18 YEARS
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
Have you ever wondered what a red throated loon (Gavia stellata) is? Do you know this breeding bird belongs to the family Gaviidae? A red throated loon is a small aquatic bird that comes under migratory species. It is one of the lightest birds among the loons. In the breeding season, these birds have their habitat in lakes, ponds, bogs, and wetlands. At the time of migration, loons reside along great lakes in flocks while during the winter, this loon species can be found along the Pacific Coast.
Do you wish to know why it is called a red throated loon (Gavia stellata)? Here are some interesting, engaging, and fun facts about this bird. Afterward, do check our other articles on the eared grebe and ring-necked duck as well.
The red throated loon (Gavia stellata) or red throated diver is a small aquatic bird that is a widely distributed member belonging to the Gaviidae family. The common loon is a migratory species whose scientific name is Gavia stellata. It is one of the lightest birds among the loons. The red throated loon (gavia stellata) is usually seen in North America, Britain, Ireland, and the Arctic regions of northern Eurasia.
As the red throated loon is a bird, it belongs to the Aves class under the Gaviidae family. Its scientific name is Gavia stellata. The common loon is found in North America and in the Arctic regions of northern Eurasia. Their breeding grounds are present along lakes, ponds, bogs, and wetlands in North America.
There are approximately 49,000-1,50,000 red throated loons according to Wetlands International in 2002. The red throated loon winters along the Pacific Coast.
A red throated loon is seen in large ponds as well as ocean bays. Loons mostly breed in Arctic regions. In winter, these North American birds are usually seen in the coastal parts of the northern hemisphere. Their breeding grounds can be found along lakes, ponds, bogs, and wetlands.
A red throated loon lives in lakes and ponds and during the winter loons are seen in the coastal waters of the northern hemisphere. It breeds mostly on freshwater. These North American birds are seen along large lakes, large ponds as well as ocean bays. It is found in North America and in the Arctic regions of northern Eurasia.
A red throated loon usually prefers to live in pairs. Both the male and female build the nest together and look after their young ones together. In winter, these black and white birds mix with other loon species.
A red throated loon has an average lifespan of 20-23 years. The lifespan of loons may vary according to their surroundings.
A red throated loon is monogamous and usually breeds on freshwater lakes. The bond between pairs remains longer and continues throughout the winter. The courtship display is observed in newly formed pairs too. Both the male and female together build the nest and the female lays two eggs which are incubated for 24-29 days by both of them. Chicks are dark brown in color and spend most of their time swimming for two to three weeks. Within seven weeks, fledgling takes place and these breeding birds become sexually mature in three years.
A red throated loon is under the Least Concern status in the IUCN Red List. Loons are not a globally threatening species but still, their number is decreasing slightly. It still has a large population and hence does not face any extinction.
A red throated loon is the smallest and lightest of the divers. It is a small aquatic bird that belongs to the Gaviidae family. During breeding plumage, the upper part is blackish-brown and the head and neck are in gray color. It also has a red throat during that season. The tail is black. During the winter or non-breeding plumage, the upper part of the body is in brownish color with white spots. The face and fore neck will be in pure white color. Male ones have heavier heads and bills and are slightly larger than females. These loons have three webbed toes.
A red throated loon is one of the smallest and lightest aquatic birds. It is very cute in appearance with its red throat and webbed toes. It also has a different sound. Loons are really cute birds.
A red throated loon call comprises different vocalizations for different situations. Loons make a croaking bark when they sense predators and make a moaning call which is low pitched between the pairs and parents. Loons also have a short wailing sound.
A red throated loon is a small-sized aquatic bird and has a length of 22-26 in (55.8-66.0 cm) and have a wingspan of 35.4-36.6 in (89.9-92.9 cm). Loons are almost 10 times bigger than a sparrow.
A red throated loon (order Gaviiformes) can fly very fast. This breeding species has an average flying speed of 48 mph (77.2 kph).
On an average scale, a red throated loon (order gaviiformes) weighs around 3.9 lb (1.76 kg). It may vary according to the surroundings.
As the red throated loon is a bird, its species is Gavia stellata. Both the male and female birds do not have any particular name and are hence known as males and females respectively.
A baby red throated loon is called a chick.
Red throated loons usually eat small fishes, leeches, worms, squid, and other aquatic insects. Loons also have predators. Birds like crows, gulls, ravens, and mammals like raccoons, skunks are the main predators that eat eggs as well as chicks.
Red throated loons are not dangerous and do not pose any threat to others unless it is harmed.
A red throated loon is not usually kept as a pet. But in some cultures, loons are eaten by humans.
A red throated loon performs a circle dance in order to evaluate the strength of its rivals. It slowly swims in circles and does not touch the other physically. It dives underwater and the rivals too slowly dive to track the movements.
A red throated loon lives mostly in water rather than in lands. They normally sleep in the water and take short naps of around 15 minutes. They also sleep during the time of incubation as well.
A red throated loon obtains a unique red throat during the breeding season. That is why it is called red throated. These loons are called loons because of how clumsy they are while walking on the land.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other birds from our weaver bird facts and limpkin facts pages.
You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our Red-Throated Loon coloring pages.
Read The Disclaimer
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising.
We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. This does not influence our choices. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published.
Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.
We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content.
Was this article helpful?
We’ll send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out.
Check your inbox for your latest news from us. You have subscribed to:
Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter.