Pacific Loon Photo Gallery
Breeding adult
Long-bodied waterbird with thin bill and round head. Breeding birds have pale gray head and nape with vertical black-and-white stripes on the neck and thick white stripes on the back.
© Tyler Ficker / Macaulay LibraryAlaska, June 14, 2019Immature
Nonbreeding birds often show less white on their back that other loons. Most nonbreeding birds have a dusky chinstrap, but this can be difficult to see.
© Nigel Voaden / Macaulay LibraryEngland, January 22, 2017Nonbreeding/immature
Bill is less heavy than Common Loon's but heavier than Red-throated Loon's. Catches fish by diving, using feet for propulsion.
© Brian Sullivan / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, February 01, 2012Not all videos have soundBreeding adult
In flight, often holds head level with the body. Head and neck are gray.
© Nigel Voaden / Macaulay LibraryAlaska, May 31, 2015Immature
Has a shorter neck than other loons. Nonbreeding/immature birds often have a dusky chinstrap.
© Brian Sullivan / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, December 19, 2015Nonbreeding adult
Daggerlike bill typically held horizontally. Some birds in summer don't molt into breeding plumage; these have whiter necks with dusky vertical stripes.
© Sharif Uddin / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, June 28, 2020Nonbreeding adult
Nonbreeding birds often show less white on the back that other loons. Most nonbreeding birds have a dusky chinstrap, but this can be difficult to see.
© Perry Doggrell / Macaulay LibraryFlorida, March 23, 2017Nonbreeding adult
During migration, often found in large flocks.
© Esme Rosen / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, March 20, 2017Breeding adult
Breeds in freshwater ponds and wetlands in the Arctic.
© Nigel Voaden / Macaulay LibraryAlaska, June 12, 2015Compare with Similar Species
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Species in This Family
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