BLACK-THROATED LOON 



9. Gavia arctica. 28 inches. 



This loon lives in the Arctic regions and only rarely 

 is found, in winter, in Northern United States. In sum- 

 mer, it can readily be distinguished from the common 

 loon by the gray crown and hind-neck, as well as by 

 different arrangement of the black and white markings. 

 In winter, they are quite similar to the last species but 

 can be recognized by their smaller size, and can be dis- 

 tinguished from the winter plumaged Red-throated Loon 

 by the absence of any white markings on the back. 

 Like the grebes, loons have to run over the surface of 

 I the water in order to take flight, and they are prac- 

 tically helpless when on land. Their flight is very rapid, 

 in a straight line, and their neck is carried at full 

 length in front. This species has red eyes, as do all 

 the other loons. 



Nest. The same as the last species, but the two eggs 

 have more of an olive tint and are smaller (3.10x2.00). 



Range. Arctic America, wintering in Canada and oc- 

 casionally in Northern United States. 



