Appearance
Breeding adults are like a smaller sleeker version of great northern diver/common loon. They measure 58–74 cm in length, 110–128 cm in wingspan and weigh 1–2.5 kg. They have a grey head, black throat, white underparts and chequered black-and-white mantle. Non-breeding plumage is drabber with the chin and foreneck white. Its bill is grey or whitish and dagger-shaped. In all plumages, lack of a white flank patch distinguishes this species from the otherwise very similar black-throated diver/Arctic loon.
Naming
The genus name "Gavia" comes from the Latin for "sea mew", as used by ancient Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder. The specific epithet "pacifica" is Latin for the Pacific Ocean, the term meaning "peaceful".
Distribution
It breeds on deep lakes in the tundra region of Alaska and northern Canada as far east as Baffin Island, and in Russia east of the Lena River.Unlike other loons/divers, this bird may migrate in flocks. It winters at sea, mainly on the Pacific coast, or on large lakes over a much wider range, including China, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, United States and Mexico. It has occurred as a vagrant to Greenland, Hong Kong, Great Britain, Spain, Finland and Switzerland.
Behavior
The call is a yodelling high-pitched wailing, as well as harsh growls and barks.Habitat
The Pacific loon breeds on tundra lakes, and winters in the open ocean or other large bodies of water. It breeds primarily in northern Canada and eastern Siberia, and winters along the Pacific coast of North America.References:
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