Is red-throated loon endangered?

What kind of bird is a red-throated loon?

The red-throated loon (North America) or red-throated diver (Britain and Ireland) ( Gavia stellata) is a migratory aquatic bird found in the northern hemisphere. The most widely distributed member of the loon or diver family, it breeds primarily in Arctic regions, and winters in northern coastal waters.

What threats do red-throated loon birds face?

The red-throated loon is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies; in the Americas, it is protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. Oil spills, habitat degradation, and fishing nets are among the main threats this species faces.

When did the red-throated loon diverge from the other species?

Analysis of molecular data together with the fossil record suggests the lineage of the red-throated loon diverged from that giving rise to the other loon species around 21.4 million years ago in the Miocene, and that it may be most closely related to the fossil Pliocene species Gavia howardae.

Can a red-throated loon take off from the water?

Among the loons, the red-throated loon is exceptional in its ability to take off from very small bodies of water. Because its feet are located so far back on its body, the red-throated loon is quite clumsy walking on land, but it can use its feet to shove itself forward on its breast.

What does a red-throated loon look like?

Immatures are grayish brown above, pale below. Red-throated Loons move almost constantly when foraging. They scan beneath the water’s surface by dipping the head, then diving to pursue fish. They also locate prey while flying, often in large, dispersed flocks that quickly descend when schools of fish are detected.

What bird has a green head and a black bill?

These birds have green heads, while common loons have entirely black heads. Besides, red-breasted mergansers have bright orange bills, but common loons have dagger-like, black bills. #10. Arctic Loon Like other loon ducks, arctic loons breed in Alaska and the Arctic Ocean.

What kind of bird has a red leg and feet?

Legs and feet are gray. It is the only entirely red bird in North America. Female has olive-yellow upperparts and dull yellow underparts. Some red morph females have a red wash, red splotches, or are entirely red. It specializes in eating bees and wasps, which is why it is also known as the bee bird.

What kind of bird is a common loon?

Top: Common loon, Mid-left: red-throated loon, Mid-right: yellow-billed loon, Bottom: black-throated loon Common loon ( Gavia immer) rearing up. Note the plump body and pointed but rather short wings Male and female loons have identical plumage, which is largely patterned black-and-white in summer, with grey on the head and neck in some species.

What threats do birds face when they migrate?

Different birds face different threats along their journeys, but all birds have to endure some risks as they migrate. The most common and most deadly threats to migratory birds include the following: Exhaustion: Birds may fly hundreds of miles during migration, often covering large distances without rest.

When do red-throated loons migrate?

In fall, the migration peak is in late September and October. Red-throated Loons have bred as far south as Vancouver Island, so a Red-throated Loon breeding in Washington is a possibility, although there are no confirmed records for the state at this time.

What is the difference between common loons and red-breasted mergansers?

The breasts are dingy, smudged with reddish-brown. Red-breasted mergansers have red, rounded eyes like common loons. These birds have a white neckband, but the neckbands of common loons are striped. Both birds live in the same territories year-round. Red-breasted mergansers have ragged crests that you won’t find in common loons.

What do red-throated loons eat?

During both the breeding and non-breeding seasons, Red-throated Loons eat mostly marine fish. Crustaceans, mollusks, and other aquatic creatures round out the diet. Red-throated Loons breed farther north than any other loon.

What does a red throat Loon eat?

During the breeding season, it acquires the distinctive reddish throat patch which is the basis for its common name. Fish form the bulk of its diet, though amphibians, invertebrates and plant material are sometimes eaten as well. A monogamous species, the Red-throated Loon forms long-term pair bonds.

What does a pegging awl loon look like?

The nostrils are narrow slits located near the base of the bill, and the iris is reddish. One of the bird’s North American folk names is pegging-awl loon, a reference to its sharply pointed bill, which resembles a sailmaker’s awl (a tool also known as a “pegging awl” in New England).

What is a red-throated diver?

The Red-throated Diver 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.

What is the lifespan of a red throat Loon?

Scientific name: Gavia stellata. Common name: Red-Throated Loon, Red-Throated Diver, Pegging-Awl Loon, Cape Drake, Cape Racer, Sprat Loon, Spratoon, Little Loon. Lifespan: 15-20 years. Size: 23-27 inches. Weight: 2-6 pounds. Wingspan: 40-45 inches. Conservation status: Least concern.

Where can I see a red-throated loon in the winter?

Birders can also see the red-throated loon in its non-breeding plumage along more southerly coasts in winter. These loons are also regularly seen in the Great Lakes region during their migration movements. Red-throated loons are some of the most distinctive divers.

What does a small loon look like?

Small loon with a long and slender bill often held slightly raised. Breeding adults have a red throat patch and a plain gray head. Small loon with a thin bill typically held above horizontal. Nonbreeding birds have more white on the neck and face than other loons.

What is the difference between a loon and a yellow-billed loon?

Yellow-billed loons are quite similar to common loons. Both yellow-billed and common loons have black-and-white plumage in breeding seasons. These birds have red, rounded eyes and blackish feet. Besides, they feature black-and-white stripes on the throat and neck.

How do red throated loons hunt their prey?

Red-throated Loons hunt prey by diving underwater, swimming by kicking with the legs and then grasping prey with the bill. They often locate prey first by dipping their head underwater and looking around as they rest on the water’s surface.

What bird has a red bill with a Big Bill?

A stocky and striking shorebird of eastern North America, the American Oystercatcher has a long, thick bright red bill. It uses this impressive bill to eat saltwater mollusks including clams and oysters.

What kind of bird has a black bill and white wings?

In North America, these birds are also called “Thin-billed Murre”. They have a black head, back, wings, and tail, with their underparts being white. Their black bill is long and thin.