General

Pacific Loon: Medium-sized loon with black-and-white checkered back and white underparts. Crown and nape are gray. Iridescent throat patch can appear purple, green, or black. Sexes are similar. Winter adult has dark gray upperparts and a straight, sharp border between pale and dark areas on neck. Juvenile resembles winter adult but has white scaling on back.

Range and Habitat

Pacific Loon: Breeds from Alaska east to Hudson Bay, and south to northern British Columbia, Manitoba, and Ontario. Winters along Pacific coast; very rare in northeastern U.S.

Breeding and Nesting

Pacific Loon: One to three brown eggs with black brown spots are laid on a platform of stems, roots, and mud built near the edge of water. Incubation ranges from 23 to 25 days and is carried out by both parents. Young start to fly at 60 to 65 days.

Foraging and Feeding

Pacific Loon: Feeds by diving underwater and pursuing prey such as fish, crustaceans, and frogs.

Vocalization

Pacific Loon: Generally quiet in winter; summer calls include a sharp "kwao" and a wail that rises in pitch.

Similar Species

Pacific Loon: Arctic Loon is larger and has more white on flanks coming up over sides of rump, darker nape, and bolder black-and-white neck stripes.