Pacific Loon

66 cm (26") Fairly common. Summers on Arctic lakes, winters along Pacific coast.

Summer: light gray crown and nape; iridescent purple, green or black throat patch; black-and-white checkered back.

Winter: the crown and nape are paler than back unlike Common Loon and there is sharp contrast between light and dark areas of neck; gray cap extends to include eye; often thin dark line under chin.

Song: harsh "kwow", rising wail.

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Images

Credit: Alaska Region U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Credit: Bill Bouton