Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

Its scientific name, stellata, means 'set with stars,' for the tiny white speckles on its back in winter. The red throat in its English name shows only in summer.

Gavia was the Roman name for a seabird, used by Pliny. 'Loon' probably comes from an old Scandinavian word for 'lame' or 'clumsy,' for how awkwardly loons move on land. In Britain it's the Red-throated Diver.