RED-THROATED LOON 



11. Gavia stellata. 25 inches. 



Besides being smaller than the common loon, this 

 species has a more slender bill, which has a slightly 

 up-turned appearance owing to the straight top to the 

 upper mandible; in summer, its back and head are gray, 

 with no white spots, although the back of the head has 

 a few white streaks; there is a large patch of chestnut 

 on the fore-neck; the under parts are white. In winter, 

 it is gray above and white below, but the back is sprin- 

 kled with small white spots; at this season it can easily 

 be distinguished from Holbcell Grebe by the absence of 

 any white patch in the wings as well as by the differ- 

 ently shaped feet. 



Nest. A depression in the sand or ground, not more 

 than a foot or two from the water's edge, so they can 

 slide from their two eggs into their natural element. 

 The eggs, which are laid in June, are olive-brown, 

 specked with black (2.90x1.75). 



Range. Breeds from New Brunswick and Manitoba 

 north to the Arctic Ocean; winters throughout the 

 United States. 



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