Red-throated Loon

The red-throated loon (North America) or red-throated diver (Britain and Ireland) (Gavia stellata) is a migratory aquatic bird found in the Northern Hemisphere. The most widely distributed member of the loon or diver family, it breeds primarily in Arctic regions, and it winters in northern coastal waters. Ranging from 55 to 67 centimetres (22 to 26 in) in length, the red-throated loon is the smallest and lightest of the world's loons. In winter, it is a nondescript bird, greyish above, fading to white below. During the breeding season, it acquires the distinctive reddish throat patch, which is the basis for its common name.

From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Is it venomous or poisonous?

We have no record of Red-throated Loon being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.

Easily confused with

• Gavia pacifica
• Gavia arctica

Classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Aves

Order

Gaviiformes

Family

Gaviidae

Genus

Gavia

Species

Gavia stellata

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