This post is also available in: Swedish
Black-throated loon – Gavia arctica
Black-throated loon – Gavia arctica
The Black-throated loon – Gavia arctica is according to me one of the most beautiful species of all birds. It is pretty much like the creators geometrical experiment.
Breeding adults are 58 to 77 cm (23 to 30 in) in length with a 100 to 130 cm (39 to 51 in) wingspan, shaped like a smaller, sleeker version of the great northern diver. Body mass is reportedly from 2–3.4 kg (4.4–7.5 lb). They have a grey head, black throat, white underparts and chequered black-and-white mantle.
In winter it is light grey on top of the head and backside of the throat.dark grey with brown tones on the back and white on the throat, chest and underneath. This species, like all divers, is a specialist fish-eater, catching its prey underwater. It flies with neck outstretched. It feeds on fish, insects, crustaceans and amphibians. The calls include a yodelling high-pitched wail and harsh growls, similar but lower pitched than Pacific loon. It breeds in Eurasia and occasionally in western Alaska. It winters at sea, as well as on large lakes over a much wider range.
Listen to the black-throated loons sad call
Recording by Lauri Hallikainen
