The Pacific loon or Pacific diver (Gavia
pacifica), is a medium-sized member of the loon, or diver, family. It may
be nonspecific with black-throated diver/Arctic loon, which it closely
resembles.
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, and Finland.
Breeding adults are like a smaller sleeker version of great
northern diver/common loon. They measure 58–74 cm (23–29 in) in
length, 110–128 cm (43–50 in) in wingspan and weigh 1–2.5 kg
(2.2–5.5 lb). They have a grey head, black throat, white under parts
and chequered black-and-white mantle. Non-breeding plumage is drabber
with the chin and fore neck 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.
This species, like all divers/loons, is a specialist fish-eater,
catching its prey underwater. It flies with neck outstretched.
The call is a yodeling high-pitched wailing, as
well as harsh growls and barks.
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