A familiar loon across much of coastal North America. Larger than Pacific and Red-throated; bulkier, with heavier bill. Alternate Adult is black with white spots covering back, has white neck with a black head and collar, and vertical lines on neck. Areas of the head and neck that look black from a distance are actually dark green at close range, particularly the collar. Basic Adult, typical in winter, is dark brown with white cheeks; border between light cheeks and dark nape is smudgy and indented. Juvenile is similar to Basic Adult but with more well-defined pale edges.

Length: 81 (cm) Wingspan: 116 (cm)

Voice:

Usually silent at sea. Near nest site, an eerie wailing, often dubbed in movie soundtracks.

Habitat:

Open ocean, bays, estuaries. During migration, stops over on large bodies of inland fresh water. Breeds on lakes in the far north.

Behavior:

Very awkward on land, as the feet are so far back on body. Nest is a mound of vegetation, sometimes forming a floating island.

Feeding:

Dives and swims to catch fish.