Come identificare Red-throated Loon

Per identificare correttamente Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata), controlla ciascuna di queste caratteristiche. Gli uccelli possono essere complicati da riconoscere, perché comportamento, habitat e canto spesso confermano ciò che una sola foto non può.

Dimensioni a colpo d'occhio

Lunghezza

53-69 cm (21-27 in)

Apertura alare

106-120 cm (42-47 in)

Peso

1-2.7 kg (2.2-6.0 lbs)

Caratteristiche fisiche da controllare

1. 1

   Piumaggio

   Colorazione e disegno generale del piumaggio.

   Breeding adults have a grey head and neck, a distinctive brick-red throat patch, and fine black and white streaking on the back of the neck. The back is dark grey-brown, and the underparts are white. Non-breeding adults and juveniles are duller, lacking the red throat patch, with a pale grey-brown head and neck, a dark crown, and a white throat and foreneck. The back is dark grey-brown with fine white speckling, and the underparts are white.

2. 2

   Forma del becco

   Forma e colore del becco, un segno di campo chiave.

   Slender, straight, and dagger-like, typically dark grey to black in breeding plumage, often paler at the base of the lower mandible in non-breeding plumage.

3. 3

   Colore degli occhi

   Colore dell'iride e segni distintivi sugli occhi.

   Dark red in adults, brownish in juveniles.

4. 4

   Colore delle zampe

   Colore di zampe e piedi.

   Dark grey to black, positioned far back on the body.

5. 5

   Caratteristiche distintive

   Tratti distintivi che separano questa specie.

   Smallest loon species. In flight, it holds its head and neck slightly below the body axis, giving it a distinctive 'hunchbacked' appearance. Its unique ability to take off directly from water, unlike other loons that require a long 'runway', is a key field mark. The red throat patch in breeding plumage is diagnostic.

6. 6

   Aspetto giovanile

   Come i giovani si differenziano dagli adulti.

   Similar to non-breeding adults but often with a more mottled or scaly appearance on the back due to pale feather edgings. The bill is typically paler, often greyish.

7. 7

   Cambiamenti stagionali

   Variazione del piumaggio tra stagione riproduttiva e non.

   Breeding plumage (spring/summer) features the prominent red throat patch, grey head and neck, and dark back. Non-breeding plumage (autumn/winter) is duller, lacking the red throat, with a pale grey-brown head and neck, dark crown, and white underparts. The back is dark with fine white speckling.

8. 8

   Dimorfismo sessuale

   Differenze tra maschi e femmine.

   Males and females are generally similar in plumage and size, though males may average slightly larger.

Segni di campo chiave

• Size and Shape. Smallest loon species, with a relatively slender neck and a small, often slightly upturned bill. In flight, look for the 'hunchbacked' profile with head and neck held slightly below the body.
• Breeding Plumage (Adult). Look for the distinctive brick-red throat patch, grey head and neck, and dark grey-brown back. The bill is slender and dark.
• Non-breeding Plumage (Adult & Juvenile). Absence of red throat patch. Pale grey-brown head and neck with a darker crown. White throat and foreneck. Dark grey-brown back with fine white speckling. Bill often appears paler at the base of the lower mandible.
• Flight Behavior. Observe its unique ability to take off directly from water, unlike other loons that require a long running start. Its flight is strong and direct.
• Vocalizations. Listen for its mournful, wailing cries or cat-like mewing calls, especially in breeding areas. Alarm calls are sharp 'kark' notes.
• Bill Angle. Often holds its slender bill slightly upturned, particularly when swimming, which can be a useful field mark.

Esplora Red-throated Loon