Bird
Pacific Loon
Gavia pacificaAlso known as Pacific Diver
Pacific loons are sleek, deep-diving waterbirds that nest on deep tundra lakes before migrating south in large coastal flocks for the winter. During the breeding season, adults exhibit a velvety grey nape, striking purple throat patch, and intricate black-and-white checkered back pattern. Solid bones and feet set far back on the body enable powerful underwater pursuits of small schooling fish.
Diving BirdMigratoryAquatic
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyHerring, Sand Lance, Capelin
Predators
- Gulls
- Arctic Foxes
- Eagles
ThreatsOil spills, fishing line entanglement, marine pollution, and climate change
HabitatsTundra lakes during summer; coastal ocean waters and bays in winter
Life span15–20 years
Classification
- FamilyGaviidae
- SpeciesGavia pacifica
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Winter Observation: Scan ocean surf lines and sheltered bays with a spotting scope during late autumn and winter.
- Breeding Etiquette: Keep a respectful distance from northern tundra ponds to avoid disturbing nesting pairs.
Close Relative (c) Andrew Hrycyna, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Andrew Hrycyna · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Vsevolod Rudyi, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Noel Reynolds, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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