Red-throated Loon (GTM Research Reserve Bird Guide)

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

Summary ⁵

The Red-throated Loon or Red-throated Diver (Gavia stellata) is a migratory aquatic bird found in the northern hemisphere. It breeds primarily in Arctic regions, and winters in northern coastal waters. It is the most widely distributed member of the loon or diver family. Ranging from 55–67 centimetres (22–26 in) in length, the Red-throated Loon is the smallest and lightest of the world's loons. In winter, it is a nondescript bird, greyish above fading to white below. During...

Taxon biology ⁶

Because red-throated divers lie deep in the water, only their dark grey back of their body is visible. With their short webbed feet located close to their tail end, they are terrific swimmers and divers, catching and consuming their prey underwater. Only larger prey are carried to the surface. This bird was used for predicting the weather on the Shetlands: flying inland or short cries meant good weather; flying to sea or long cries predicted wet weather.