Red-throated Loon

Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata) is in the Loons family (Gaviidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 8,197 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in March.

Seasonal pattern in the national data: seasonal. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.

When to photograph Red-throated Loon: observations by month (U.S.)

About 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. Ranging from 55 to 67 centimetres (22 to 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,...From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.

Red-throated Loon by state

Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.

Related birds (Loons)

Common LoonGavia immer

Pacific LoonGavia pacifica

Photography tips

• Use a fast shutter (1/2000 s or faster) for birds in flight.
• Focus on the eye and shoot at the bird's eye level.
• Approach slowly and stop if the bird changes behavior; never bait or flush birds.
• Morning activity peaks in the first two hours after sunrise.

FAQ