Pacific Loon vs Red-throated Loon
Gavia pacifica compared with Gavia stellata
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Pacific Loon | Red-throated Loon |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gavia pacifica | Gavia stellata |
| Order | Gaviiformes | Gaviiformes |
| Family | Gaviidae | Gaviidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 58.2 cm (22.9 in) | 55.1 cm (21.7 in) |
| Weight | 1756.1666666666667 g (61.95 oz) | 1816.6666666666667 g (64.08 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-3 | 1-2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Pacific Loon
Least Concern
Red-throated Loon
About These Birds
Pacific Loon
Pacific Loon, 58–74 cm, breeds on Arctic tundra lakes across Alaska and northern Canada, wintering off the Pacific coast to Baja California. Very similar to Arctic Loon but smaller, with a pale grey nape and purple-green throat patch. Piscivore; dives in coastal seas. Forms large flocks on migration.
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.