A small and slender loon that is noticably smaller than the Common Loon that we're used to seeing. The Red-throated Loon is common in the winter on the coast of B.C. on open water but is rarely seen inland. Breeds in the far north tundra on small ponds. Migrates south for the winter as far south as Baja California. Our only loon species that can take off directly from land or the water (all others need a running start on water).

Similar species:
Loons in juvenile or winter plumage can be difficult to tell apart. Red-Throated Loons are small with thinner necks, smaller heads and thinner and shorter bills than the Common Loon. Pacific Loon, rare to our area, comes closest in size and proportions but differs in the pattern on the back and the head and neck markings..

Sources:
Ehrlich, Dobkin and Wheye, (1988)

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