The Pacific Loon is a sleek, medium-sized bird known for its smooth gray head and shining neck feathers. It breeds in the Arctic tundra and migrates south to the Pacific coast for winter.
Pacific Loon Overview
| Feature | Description |
| Size | Medium – about 26 inches long |
| Shape | Streamlined with a straight black bill and level head |
| Color Pattern | Smooth gray head, white throat, dark back with fine white pinstripes |
| Habitat | Breeds in Arctic lakes; winters along the Pacific coast |
| Behavior | Dives gracefully; can take off directly from water without a long runway |
How to Identify a Pacific Loon
Look for a smooth gray head and neck with a clean white throat.
In summer, its neck shimmers with green-purple iridescence and fine black-and-white stripes. In winter, it becomes pale gray and white.
Where Do Pacific Loons Live?
Pacific Loons breed across northern Alaska and Arctic Canada on tundra lakes.
They migrate south along the Pacific coast to spend winter in sheltered bays, estuaries, and open ocean waters from Alaska to Baja California.
What Do Pacific Loons Eat?
Pacific Loons eat small fish such as smelt and anchovies, as well as crustaceans and aquatic insects.
They dive underwater and swim fast to catch prey, staying submerged for nearly a minute at a time.
What Sound Does a Pacific Loon Make?
Their calls are softer and more musical than the Common Loon’s, often a series of gentle trills or wails.
They use these sounds to communicate with mates or signal territory during breeding.
How Is the Pacific Loon Different From Other Loons?
| Compared To | Key Differences |
| Common Loon | Smaller, sleeker, gray head instead of black, takes off easily from water |
| Red-Throated Loon | Slightly larger and darker; lacks the red throat patch and slender upturned bill |