General

Yellow-billed Loon: Large loon with white-spotted black upperparts, white underparts, and gray sides with fine white spots. Head is glossy green-black; neck has black-and-white rings. Bill is yellow. Sexes are similar. Winter adult and juvenile have pale bill, gray-brown upperparts, and white underparts.

Range and Habitat

Yellow-billed Loon: Breeds in the northern reaches of Canada and Alaska, but migrates in winter to coastal areas of southern Alaska and British Columbia, where it is commonly seen. Also winters along the Aleutian archipelago. Prefers tundra lakes and ponds in summer, winters on inshore coastal waters.

Breeding and Nesting

Yellow-billed Loon: One or two dark brown spotted, olive or brown eggs are laid in a grass-lined depression near the water. Incubation ranges from 27 to 30 days and is carried out by both parents.

Foraging and Feeding

Yellow-billed Loon: Feeds on small fish and crustaceans; forages by diving underwater.

Vocalization

Yellow-billed Loon: Utters yodeling calls similar to those of Common Loons, but louder and harsher; flight call is a "ha-ha-ha-ha-ha."

Similar Species

Yellow-billed Loon: Common loon has gray bill.