Field Guide for all the Birds of North America
Arctic Loon
Plongeon arctique
Gavia arctica
Information, images and range maps on over 1,000 birds of North America, including sub-species, vagrants, introduced birds and possibilities
Life, Habitat & Pictures of North American Loons
| B L | W W | W | Family | Latin Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27" 68.6cm | 40" 101.6cm | 5.7lb. 2.6kg | Gaviidae | Gavia arctica |
- Summer
- Year Around
- Winter
The Arctic Loon has the smallest range of all the loons seen thoughout North America. It nests along the coast in northwestern Alaska near Nome in breeding season. It is sometimes seen in the winter months in the southern states along the Pacific coast. This loon is much more common in the northern regions of Eurasia. It can be distinguished from the similar looking Pacific Loon by its white flanks, which can be seen when it is sitting on the water.
References to Other Bird Sites:
Avibase - the world bird database This site provides the user with a complete list of bird species, broken down per country, or in the example of the US or Canada, per state and province. Here, bird species names are available in other languages, a great asset to be used as a translation of foreign bird names.
ABA - American Birding Association This site represents an organization that maintains official records of all birds species that have been proven to have been seen inside the perimeters of the North American Continent and the surrounding bodies of water. Regular revised versions are posted to keep the bird list current at all times. This is the list used by all serious birders over their lifetime. You may be aware of the movie called the "Big Year". It was with this list that all the competing birders used in an attempt to set a new record as to how many bird species that could be seen by an individual birder in one calendar year.
I hope you will take advantage of these suggested websites. I have used each of them, in one way or another, throughout the years in my quest to better identify and understand our fine feathered friends.
