Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

63 cm (25") Fairly common. Tundra lakes, Arctic coast; winters on east and west coasts and Great Lakes. Large diving bird with slender bill held tilted upward.

Summer: silvery gray face and sides of neck; black bill; large rusty throat patch; striped black and white lines run up back of neck; back brownish-black.

Winter: gray on back of neck gradually blends into white of throat; white underparts; blackish spotted upperparts; pale bill.

Song: rapid yelps.

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