photo by Phil Swanson

Gavia pacifica
L 26″ (66 cm).

Song or calls:
“Raspy,” “hoarse,” and “screeching” are adjectives frequently used to describe the quality of Pacific Loon.

Description: Sexes similar. White below, black-brown above; crown and nape are paler than back; cap extends to eye; crisp line of separation between black and white along side of neck; usually thin “chinstrap” of brown spots on white throat. Juveniles similar but browner above. In flight, resembles Common Loon but head and feet are smaller.

Habitat: Larger lakes and reservoirs. In summer, western reservoirs are used more.

Nebraska Seasons: Best time to view is early to mid Nov.

Where in Nebraska: Rare regular fall migrant statewide. Rare casual spring migrant statewide. No breeding records in Nebraska.

Field Notes: Prefers deeper water than other loons.

Fun Facts: The Pacific Loon is extremely awkward on land and cannot take flight from land at all.

 
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