The Red-throated Loon,
Gavia stellata, is the smallest of the loons. It derives its name from the red color
of its throat that is present in the breeding plumage. Circumpolar, it nests up to 83
degrees N latitude and, unlike other loons, often on very small lakes. They winter along
the North American coast as far south as Florida and Mexico. In Europe the winters are
spent around the British Isles and south on the mainland to the Black and Caspian Seas.
Siberian birds winter along the coasts of Japan and China. One specimen may be seen on a
stamp of Mongolia issued in 1978.
hroated Loon,
Gavia stellata, is the smallest of the loons. It derives its name from the red color
of its throat that is present in the breeding plumage. Circumpolar, it nests up to 83
degrees N latitude and, unlike other loons, often on very small lakes. They winter along
the North American coast as far south as Florida and Mexico. In Europe the winters are
spent around the British Isles and south on the mainland to the Black and Caspian Seas.
Siberian birds winter along the coasts of Japan and China. One specimen may be seen on a
stamp of Mongolia issued in 1978.