Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata), Rotary Park/Thompson Bay, Lake Havasu, Mohave County

This Red-throated Loon was discovered and photographed (from a kayak) by John West on 31 October 2011.

Red-throated Loon is considered a casual late fall and winter visitor to Arizona, although it has been reported in the state annually for the past few years.

First-winter bird in mostly juvenile plumage. Distinctly smaller and trimmer proportions than Common/Yellow-billed Loons. Key characteristics noted in images include bill held at a slight uptilted angle, pale speckled back and nape, uniform gray neck pattern extending onto lower neck, and darker patch on upper throat. The only possible confusing species would be juvenile Pacific Loon.  However, in all basic-like plumages, Pacific Loon has a strong contrast line between the dark dorsal side of the neck and the white ventral side. 

31 October 2011, photo by John West

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