Pacific Loon Similar Species Comparison
Main SpeciesPacific Loon
Breeding adult
Long-bodied waterbird with thin bill and round head. Breeding birds have pale gray head and nape with vertical black-and-white stripes on the neck and thick white stripes on the back.
© Tyler Ficker / Macaulay LibraryAlaska, June 14, 2019Immature
Nonbreeding birds often show less white on their back that other loons. Most nonbreeding birds have a dusky chinstrap, but this can be difficult to see.
© Nigel Voaden / Macaulay LibraryEngland, January 22, 2017Nonbreeding/immature
Bill is less heavy than Common Loon's but heavier than Red-throated Loon's. Catches fish by diving, using feet for propulsion.
© Brian Sullivan / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, February 01, 2012Not all videos have sound
Breeding adult
In flight, often holds head level with the body. Head and neck are gray.
© Nigel Voaden / Macaulay LibraryAlaska, May 31, 2015Immature
Has a shorter neck than other loons. Nonbreeding/immature birds often have a dusky chinstrap.
© Brian Sullivan / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, December 19, 2015Nonbreeding adult
Daggerlike bill typically held horizontally. Some birds in summer don't molt into breeding plumage; these have whiter necks with dusky vertical stripes.
© Sharif Uddin / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, June 28, 2020Nonbreeding adult
Nonbreeding birds often show less white on the back that other loons. Most nonbreeding birds have a dusky chinstrap, but this can be difficult to see.
© Perry Doggrell / Macaulay LibraryFlorida, March 23, 2017Nonbreeding adult
During migration, often found in large flocks.
© Esme Rosen / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, March 20, 2017Breeding adult
Breeds in freshwater ponds and wetlands in the Arctic.
© Nigel Voaden / Macaulay LibraryAlaska, June 12, 2015Similar SpeciesRed-throated Loon
Breeding adult
Breeding Red-throated Loons have a solid black back and a red throat whereas breeding Pacific Loons have a barred back and a black throat.
© Andrew Spencer / Macaulay LibraryAlaska, June 28, 2014Similar SpeciesRed-throated Loon
Nonbreeding adult
Nonbreeding Red-throated Loons have more extensive white on the face and neck than nonbreeding/immature Pacific Loons. They also hold their bills up while Pacific Loons hold their bill straight.
© Jay McGowan / Macaulay LibraryNew York, March 26, 2015Similar SpeciesCommon Loon
Breeding adult
Common Loons have a thicker bill than Pacific Loons. They have a checkered back and striped collar whereas Pacific Loons have a barred back and vertical striping on the neck.
© Cliff Peterson / Macaulay LibraryAlaska, June 27, 2014Similar SpeciesCommon Loon
Nonbreeding/immature
Nonbreeding/immature Common Loons are larger with a thicker bill. They also have a jagged collar around the neck while the neck on nonbreeding Pacific Loons is smooth.
© William Keim / Macaulay LibraryNew Jersey, February 20, 2017Similar SpeciesArctic Loon
Breeding
Arctic Loon is nearly identical, but has a flatter crown and a white patch at the rear that Pacific Loons lack. Arctic Loons are rarely encountered in the Lower 48.
© Andrew Steele / Macaulay LibraryEngland, May 17, 2015Similar SpeciesArctic Loon
Nonbreeding adult
Nonbreeding Arctic Loon lacks a "chinstrap" like nonbreeding Pacific Loons. They also show more extensive white on the sides than Pacific Loons.
© Roger Zachary / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, January 14, 2012Similar SpeciesDouble-crested Cormorant
Nonbreeding adult
Double-crested Cormorants have a longer neck and do not have white on the neck like nonbreeding Pacific Loons.
© Evan Lipton / Macaulay LibraryMassachusetts, July 16, 2016Rotate Your Device to Better Compare
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