Arctic Loon
Gavia arctica
Least ConcernAves · Gaviiformes · Gaviidae
About
The black-throated loon, also known as the Arctic loon and the black-throated diver, is a migratory aquatic bird found in the Northern Hemisphere, primarily breeding in freshwater lakes in northern Europe and Asia. It winters along sheltered, ice-free coasts of the north-east Atlantic Ocean and the eastern and western Pacific Ocean. This loon was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758 and has two subspecies. It was previously considered to be the same species as the Pacific loon, of which it is traditionally considered to be a sister species, although this is debated. In a study that used mitochondrial and nuclear intron DNA, the black-throated loon was found to be sister to a clade consisting of the Pacific loon and two sister species, the common loon and the yellow-billed loon.
Fun Fact
It winters along sheltered, ice-free coasts of the north-east Atlantic Ocean and the eastern and western Pacific Ocean.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Found in the area around isolated, deep freshwater lakes larger than 0.
Diet
Feeds on fish and sometimes insects, molluscs, crustaceans, and plant matter.
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance