North American Loons
Red-throated Loon 24 - 27" (61 - 69 cm) Has gray head and heck. Has
black back and
spotted with white. In winter, common to small loon but smaller and paler. High pitched
wail and
shriek.Used mainly near
breeding grounds. Ocean but mainly ponds, lakes and bays near the ocean. Aquatic vegetation as nest with brownish olive nests
Pacific Loon 24"(61 cm) Head is gray, neck and back are black with white stripes. A harsh kok kok kok kok On lakes and ponds and in winter: in the
oceana and on the coast. Same as red-throated but sometimes on
bare ground
Common Loon 28 - 36"(71 - 91 cm)Heavy bodied and larger. Head and neck are black with white stripes on neck. Back is black with white spots. Loud wailing laugh.
Forested lakes and rivers and ocean and coastal bays during winter.
Olive-brown or greenish eggs padded with
aquatic vegetation usually on an island.
Yellow-billed Loon 33-38" (84 - 97 cm) Similar to Common Loon but more white on face A series of hollow cuckoo-like notes.
Marshes and
ponds and
salt water during the
winter if the fresh water freezes. Brownish eggs on island water's edge.
thanks to:
National Audubon Society