Similar Species

• Arctic Loon is nearly identical, but has a flatter crown and white along the flanks, especially near the rump. Nonbreeding Arctic Loon lacks a "chinstrap," and does not have a band that extends all the way across the vent.
• Nonbreeding Common Loon similar, but is larger, has a jagged border between the dark hindneck and white throat, an indistinct white collar, and white crescents around the eyes.
• Winter Red-throated Loon usually has a white face with white behind the eye and an indistinct border between white and black on the neck, but it can look very similar to Pacific Loon. Red-throated Loon usually keeps its bill pointed slightly upward and has a spotted, not barred, back.