Pacific Loon

Overview

The Pacific loon, or Pacific diver, is a medium-sized member of the loon family that was classified as a separate species in 1985. It is currently considered to be of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, with an increasing population spread over a wide range.

Identification

• Measures 58–74 cm in length with a grey head, black throat with purple reflections, white underparts, and a chequered black-and-white mantle.
• Distinguished from similar species by the lack of a white flank patch and a grey or whitish, dagger-shaped bill.
• Produces a loud, eerie, oo-loo-lee wail that can travel for miles, along with sharp short calls when feeding and harsh kok-kok-kok-kok sounds.

Habitat

Breeds on tundra lakes primarily in northern Canada and eastern Siberia, and winters in the open ocean or large bodies of water along the Pacific coast of North America. It may migrate in flocks and has been recorded as a vagrant in locations such as Greenland, Great Britain, and several European countries.

Diet

A specialist fish-eater that catches prey underwater, often foraging in groups by swimming under schools of fish to force them towards the surface. It generally feeds closer to the shore than other loon species.

Did you know?

Pacific loons are so aggressive that they have been observed displaying threatening body language towards passing airplanes in Alaska. They can also engage in interspecific killing of individuals that approach their nesting area.