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Pacific Loon Identification (How To Identify?)

Pacific Loon in Breeding plumage

Length: 25 inches,  Wing span: 36 inches

Despite its abundance, the Pacific Loon is only occasionally seen inland south of Alaska, and it largely sticks to its northern breeding range and Pacific Coast wintering range. Large inland lakes occasionally attract one or more Pacific Loons during the winter months. Pacific Loon migration takes place during the day.

Pacific Loons are not capable of taking off directly from the water or from land. They must have up to 50 meters of open water on which to get a paddling start. Pacific Loons are thought to begin breeding at age three, although this aspect of their lives is poorly understood.

The Pacific Loon is a medium size loon with a rounded head shape. Its plumage varies by season. Sexes are similar.

Breeding plumage:
-Pale gray head and nape.
-White stripes on sides of neck.
-Dark upperparts with much white.
-Purple color on throat usually appears black.

 

Pacific Loon in summer plumage

No white on the rear flanks. Similar Arctic Loon shows white mark on the rear flank. Photograph © Glenn Bartley.

Pacific Loon side view

The typical look of a dark throat. Photograph © Glenn Bartley.

Pacific Loon

Molting Pacific Loon. Photograph © Greg Lavaty.

Pacific Loon stretching

Note the pale under wing linings.  Photograph © Greg Lavaty.

Pacific Loon

Winter birds are grayish-brown above with whitish underparts. Back is generally darker than other loons in winter plumage. Juveniles very similar. Photograph © Greg Lavaty.

Pacific Loon

Most adults in winter plumage will show a narrow dark ring across the throat. Photograph © Glenn Bartley.

Pacific Loon

Can show a hump-backed appearance in flight. Photograph © Glenn Bartley.

Pacific Loon in flight

Wings mostly a uniform black.  Note the white markings on the back. Photograph © Glenn Bartley.

Pacific Loon in flight

Note the dark trailing edge to the wings. Photograph © Glenn Bartley.

Pacific Loon in flight

Photograph © Glenn Bartley.

Pacific Loon in flight

Photograph © Glenn Bartley.

Pacific Loon

The Pacific Loon (left) in this photograph is in near, full breeding plumage. It is smaller and has a smaller bill than the Common Loon on the right. Photograph © Greg Lavaty.

Pacific Loon

Pacifc Loon with Common Loons. The Common Loon on the front left is in breeding plumage. Photograph © Greg Lavaty.

About the Author

Sam Crowe

Sam is the founder of Birdzilla.com. He has been birding for over 30 years and has a world list of over 2000 species. He has served as treasurer of the Texas Ornithological Society, Sanctuary Chair of Dallas Audubon, Editor of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's "All About Birds" web site and as a contributing editor for Birding Business magazine. Many of his photographs and videos can be found on the site.

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