Black-throated Loon

The Arctic loon, also called the black-throated diver, is a migratory northern-hemisphere waterbird distributed across roughly ten million square kilometres. It breeds principally on large, deep freshwater lakes across northern Eurasia and western Alaska and moves to sheltered coastal marine waters for winter. Its streamlined body, far-set legs, and webbed feet are adapted for underwater pursuit but make movement on land difficult. Breeding adults possess a gray head, black throat, patterned back, and white underparts; winter plumage is much duller. (Animal Diversity Web)

Fish form most of the Arctic loon’s diet, supplemented by aquatic insects, crustaceans, mollusks, amphibians, and occasional plant material. Prey is located visually and captured during powerful underwater dives. Long-term monogamous pairs return to breeding lakes and build a simple shoreline nest where access to water is immediate. The female normally produces two eggs, although one or three may occur. Both adults share incubation for approximately twenty-eight to thirty days and subsequently feed and guard the swimming chicks until independence. (Animal Diversity Web)