The Arctic Loon and the Pacific Loon were once considered one species, and are very close in appearance. They are widely spread in northern Europe and Asia, but in North America, they only are usually found in parts of western Alaska during the summer breeding season. Vagrants have been found elsewhere, however, with each of the U.S. west coast states (Oregon, California, and Washington) having records of the species. In Europe, the species is known as the "Black-throated Diver".
Habitat
During the summer breeding season, they are found on freshwater lakes. Winters are spent on salt water, although often relatively close to shore.
Diet
Feeds on fish, crustaceans, and molluscs.
Behavior
Feeds by making moderate to long-duration dives underwater, with dives that can last to nearly 2 minutes.
Nesting
Nests near freshwater, with the nest usually just a shallow scraped depression near the water's edge. Both the female and male will incubate the eggs, and tend to the young.
Interactive eBird Map
Click to access an interactive eBird map of Arctic Loon sightings
Song
Typically quite silent, except on the breeding grounds. On breeding grounds, gives a long, mournful call, as well as simpler growling and croaking.
Migration
Those that breed in western Alaska are migratory, as are breeding birds in their Eurasian range. Winters at sea, typically relatively near to shore, on coastlines or in estuaries.
Similar Species
Extremely similar to the Pacific Loon.
Status
Arctic Loons have a large global range, and while some declines have been noted, the IUCN currently lists the Arctic Loon as a species of "Least Concern".
Further Information
- eBird - Arctic Loon
- Audubon Field Guide - Arctic Loon
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology - All About Birds: Arctic Loon
Photo Information
May 31st, 2009 - Central Scotland - Steve Garvie - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic license.
