Black-throated loon

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The black-throated loon (Gavia arctica) belongs to the family Gaviidae. The black-throated loon is a migratory aquatic bird found in northern Europe, northern Asia, eastern Russia, North America and Alaska. There are two recognized subspecies of these loons.

The subspecies G. a. arctica occurs in northern Europe and northern Asia, wintering in Mediterranean, Black and Caspian Seas. The subspecies G. a. viridigularis is found in eastern Russia and Alaska. These birds move southwards in winter are a rare visitors to Indian waters.


The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has categorized and evaluated these loon species and has listed them as of "least concern".
Indian bird - Black-throated loon - Gavia arctica
Indian bird - Black-throated loon - Gavia arctica


Werner Witte | License: CC BY-NC 2.0 as on 7/18/18
These loons are large birds, measuring 60-75 cm in length with a wingspan of 110-130 cms. and weighing 1,300 t0 3,500 grams. Their head is dark grey, and their throat is dark grey in color. There is a distinct white and dark grey pattern on the back, shoulders and lower neck. The dagger shaped bill is dark grey and the eyes are deep red.

They feed on fish, crustaceans and mollusks. These loons are monogamous and the female incubates the eggs. Both the parents take part in feeding the chick.
Biological classification of Gavia arctica
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Aves
Order:Gaviiformes
Family:Gaviidae
Subfamily:-
Genus:Gavia
Species:G. arctica
Binomial name:Gavia arctica
Distribution: Europe and Asia;
Feeding habits: crustaceans, fish and squid,;
IUCN status listing:Least Concern

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Image source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Plongeon_arctique_nid.jpg
Author: Carley, Curtis | License: public domain
Current topic in Birds of India: Black-throated loon - Gavia arctica.
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