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WetlandPlatform nestHuge · 2.3 kg
What the Pacific Loon sounds like
ID tip
Breeding adults are like a smaller sleeker version of common loon. They measure 58–74 cm (23–29 in) in length, 110–128 cm (43–50 in) in wingspan and weigh 1–2.5 kg (2.2–5.5 lb). They have a grey head, black throat, white underparts and chequered black-and-white mantle. The black throat has purple reflections. Non-breeding plumage is drabber with the chin and foreneck white. Its bill is grey or whitish and dagger-shaped. In all plumages, lack of a white flank patch distinguishes this species from the otherwise very similar black-throated loon. Voice: The Pacific loon most actively calls in the spring and summer and has a wide range of calls. When feeding, the Pacific loon may produce an "ark"-like vocalization, a sharp, short call.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
When to see the Pacific Loon
One bar for each month, and every month is filled: this bird is recorded here in all twelve. The wide bar is November, the month with the most records.
Where to see the Pacific Loon
The map shades 16 countries with regular records, and 2 more in a lighter tone where the bird turns up only as a stray. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.
About the Pacific Loon
The Pacific loon or Pacific diver is a medium-sized member of the loon, or diver, family.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Easily confused with
Black-throated LoonGavia arcticaThe adult black-throated loon is 58 to 73 cm (23 to 29 in) in length with a 100 to 130 cm (39 to 51 in) wingspan and a weight of 1.3 to 3.4 kilograms (2.9 to 7.5 lb).
Yellow-billed LoonGavia adamsiiWith a length of 76 to 97 cm (30 to 38 in), a wingspan of 135 to 160 cm (53 to 63 in), and a weight ranging from 4 to 6.4 kg (8.8 to 14.1 lb), the yellow-billed loon is the largest member of the loon (diver) family.
Red-throated LoonGavia stellataLike the other members of its genus, the red-throated loon is well adapted to its aquatic environment: its dense bones help it to submerge, its legs—in their set-back position—provide excellent propulsion, and its body is long and streamlined.
Side by side: Common Loon vs Pacific Loon · Pacific Loon vs Red-throated Loon · Black-throated Loon vs Pacific Loon · Pacific Loon vs Yellow-billed Loon
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