Yellow-billed Loon
Yellow-billed Loon
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The largest of the loon species, instantly recognizable by its large, pale, yellowish-ivory bill, often held angled upwards. It breeds in the high Arctic and winters in marine waters.
Where to spot
Breeds on large freshwater lakes in the high Arctic tundra of North America and Eurasia. Winters mainly in coastal marine waters along the Pacific coast of North America and the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of Eurasia.
How to spot
Focus on the bill: it's large, distinctively yellowish, and often appears slightly upturned. Look for it in remote northern lakes in summer or marine coastal waters in winter, often solitary or in small groups.
When to spot
Primarily observed during summer in its Arctic breeding grounds or during migration and winter along specific coastlines. Its presence in open water is typically from late spring through autumn.
Where to spot
Breeds on large freshwater lakes in the high Arctic tundra of North America and Eurasia. Winters mainly in coastal marine waters along the Pacific coast of North America and the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of Eurasia.
How to spot
Focus on the bill: it's large, distinctively yellowish, and often appears slightly upturned. Look for it in remote northern lakes in summer or marine coastal waters in winter, often solitary or in small groups.
When to spot
Primarily observed during summer in its Arctic breeding grounds or during migration and winter along specific coastlines. Its presence in open water is typically from late spring through autumn.
Credits:
Door Ryan AskrenUSGS, Alaska Science Center - https://www.usgs.gov/atom/15261, Publiek domein, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=49613581
The Yellow-billed Loon's distinctive pale bill is often the only way to differentiate it from the Common Loon at a distance, particularly in non-breeding plumage, making it a crucial identification feature.
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