Pacific Loon Gavia pacifica

Pacific Loon Gavia pacifica (Lawrence)

North America, image, data, information, distribution, map, nest, conservation

Along the Pacific coast of North America, this species is a conspicuous part of the nearshore avifauna. It breeds primarily in the western Arctic, usually at the margins of tundra ponds. Some birds nest on small lakes as far south as northern British Columbia. Summering non-breeders can be found in coastal areas throughout much of the winter range.

During migration and winter, visually stunning aggregations often form. In 2002, spectacular movements were noted along the coasts of Oregon and British Columbia. At Boiler Bay OR, Phil Pickering tallied several hundred thousand Pacific Loons going by in late April, with an estimated 80,000 individuals passing by during a five hour period the morning of April 25. A few days later, on May 3, Rick Toochin and Mitch Meredith, observed about 100,000 going by Iona Island BC.

The main wintering range is from coastal Alaska south to Baja California. In fall and winter, vagrants have turned up in most states and provinces. As with other arctic waterbirds, Pacific Loons may linger in colder areas as long as open water is present.

Click HERE for a summary of noteworthy Pacific Loon records from British Columbia.

Pacific Loon References and Resources

Click HERE to view a list of references and resources for this species.

Click HERE to view our Pacific Loon image gallery.

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