Pacific Loon
Pacific Loon
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13 hours ago
The Pacific Loon is a medium-sized migratory water bird, recognized by its sleek body, dagger-like bill, and striking gray and white plumage during breeding season. It is an excellent diver and swimmer, spending much of its life on water, where it hunts fish. It is a true specialist of northern waters.
Where to spot
Breeds on freshwater lakes and tundra ponds in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of North America and Siberia. Winters along coastal marine waters, primarily on the Pacific Ocean coasts of North America and East Asia.
How to spot
Look for their low-slung profile on the water and characteristic rapid dives. In breeding plumage, they have a grey head, black throat, and vertical white stripes on the neck. Listen for their mournful wails and yodels, particularly on breeding grounds.
When to spot
Breeding season (May-August) is best for observing them on northern freshwater bodies. During migration (April-May, September-November) and winter (November-March), they can be found along temperate coasts.
Where to spot
Breeds on freshwater lakes and tundra ponds in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of North America and Siberia. Winters along coastal marine waters, primarily on the Pacific Ocean coasts of North America and East Asia.
How to spot
Look for their low-slung profile on the water and characteristic rapid dives. In breeding plumage, they have a grey head, black throat, and vertical white stripes on the neck. Listen for their mournful wails and yodels, particularly on breeding grounds.
When to spot
Breeding season (May-August) is best for observing them on northern freshwater bodies. During migration (April-May, September-November) and winter (November-March), they can be found along temperate coasts.
Credits:
Door Tim Bowman, USFWSOriginally uploaded by User Kingturtle on en.wikipedia - http://images.fws.gov/default.cfm?fuseaction=records.display&CFID=6222375&CFTOKEN=73796833&id=50DAF646%2D65BF%2D03E7%2D272C2187431A5121, Publiek domein, https://commons.wikimed
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Unlike most birds, loons have solid bones, which helps them dive to impressive depths for extended periods, but also makes them quite heavy and awkward on land.
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