Common Loon vs Red-throated Loon
Gavia immer compared with Gavia stellata
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Common Loon | Red-throated Loon |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gavia immer | Gavia stellata |
| Order | Gaviiformes | Gaviiformes |
| Family | Gaviidae | Gaviidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 73.0 cm (28.7 in) | 55.1 cm (21.7 in) |
| Weight | 4898.333333333333 g (172.78 oz) | 1816.6666666666667 g (64.08 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-3 | 1-2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Common Loon
Least Concern
Red-throated Loon
About These Birds
Common Loon
Common Loon, 69–91 cm, is the iconic waterbird of North American wilderness lakes. Breeding plumage: iridescent black head, white necklace, chequered black-and-white back. Eerie wailing call. Piscivore; dives to 60 m. Winters on coastal seas. State bird of Minnesota; featured on Canadian dollar coin.
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.