The Pacific loon or Pacific diver is a medium-sized member of the loon, or diver, family.
Region
Arctic and North Pacific
Typical Environment
Breeds across the Arctic tundra of Alaska, northern Canada, and northeastern Siberia on medium to large, fish-bearing lakes and ponds. During migration it uses inland lakes and large rivers as stopover sites. In winter it is found mainly along coastal marine waters, including bays, estuaries, and sheltered nearshore zones. It typically avoids small, shallow, or heavily vegetated lakes during breeding. Compared to some loons, it favors more open water with clear visibility for underwater pursuit.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Polar
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Pacific loon (also called the Pacific diver) is a sleek, medium-sized loon that breeds on Arctic tundra lakes and winters along Pacific coasts. It is an expert diver, pursuing fish underwater with powerful feet set far back on the body. On land it is awkward and rarely ventures far from water. It can be confused with the Arctic loon, but careful attention to head and neck color and pattern helps separate them.
In Alaska
Pacific loon
Temperament
wary and alert, more social at sea
Flight Pattern
strong direct flier with rapid wingbeats, usually low over water
Social Behavior
Forms monogamous pairs on breeding lakes and defends territories against intruders. Nests on the ground at the water’s edge, often on small islands or shoreline hummocks; both adults incubate and tend the young. Outside breeding, it may gather in loose flocks on migration and in winter for feeding and roosting.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Gives eerie wails and tremolos that carry across tundra lakes, especially at dusk and night. Also produces softer hoots and cackles for close contact between mates and young. Calls are less varied than the common loon but still evocative and far-carrying.
Plumage
In breeding plumage, shows a checkered black-and-white mantle, glossy black throat with vertical white neck stripes, and smooth gray head and nape; nonbreeding birds are gray-brown above and white below with a clean white face and darker cap.
Diet
Primarily eats small to medium fish, capturing them by pursuit diving and swallowing prey underwater. It also takes crustaceans, mollusks, and aquatic insects when fish are scarce or for feeding chicks. Prey choice varies with habitat, including sticklebacks, smelt, and sculpins in coastal waters and suitable lake fishes on breeding grounds.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in clear, open water where visibility is good, including larger tundra lakes and coastal bays and estuaries. Often forages near drop-offs, channels, and current seams where fish are concentrated. During migration, it uses sizable inland lakes and reservoirs.
