Arctic Loon vs Red-throated Loon
Gavia arctica compared with Gavia stellata
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Arctic Loon | Red-throated Loon |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gavia arctica | Gavia stellata |
| Order | Gaviiformes | Gaviiformes |
| Family | Gaviidae | Gaviidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 57.2 cm (22.5 in) | 55.1 cm (21.7 in) |
| Weight | 2955.0 g (104.23 oz) | 1816.6666666666667 g (64.08 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-3 | 1-2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Arctic Loon
Least Concern
Red-throated Loon
About These Birds
Arctic Loon
Arctic Loon, 58–73 cm, breeds across Eurasian boreal and Arctic lakes from Scotland to Siberia, wintering on European and Asian coasts. Black head with green iridescence, bold white flank patch, chequered black-and-white back in breeding plumage. Piscivore; dives to 60 m. Migratory.
Red-throated Loon
Red-throated Loon, 53–69 cm, is the smallest loon, breeding on small Arctic and boreal tundra pools from Alaska to Scotland. Breeding adult: grey head, brick-red throat patch, plain brown-grey back. Distinctive upturned bill. Migratory; winters on coastal seas. Flies to separate feeding sites from breeding ponds.