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The smallest of the loon species, Red-throated Loons are distinguishable from other
breeding loons by their grey necks with a red throat-patch and dark backs. During the
nonbreeding season, the white on their face extends above the eye and almost completely
around the neck. Their backs have white speckling. Immatures have a spotted appearance to
their backs, never a barred pattern. Their bills appear upturned, they tend to hold their
heads tilted upwards, and during flight their necks appear drooped. Unlike other loons
found in the region, Red-throated Loons show white along their flanks when swimming.
Red-throated Loons are, with increasing frequency, sometimes found on large
reservoirs throughout the central Great Plains during winter and migration.
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