Bird · GBIF taxon 2481955
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
1 / 7—observations
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Herring
- 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
Size / weightNot available
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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