Pacific Loon
Gavia pacifica
Also known as: Pacific Diver
Habitat
Aquatic
Diet
VertFishScav
Active Time
Diurnal
Size
2.3 kg
About This Species
Scan open water for a low-riding diving bird with a straight-necked profile, often seen alone or in loose groups well offshore or on large lakes during migration. It dives frequently for fish and can stay submerged for a surprising stretch, resurfacing some distance from where it went under. Dawn and dusk movements along coastal routes during migration periods offer the best viewing, since the species is otherwise often far from shore.
Ethical Viewing Guidelines
- Views from land or a boat kept at a respectful distance are far less disruptive than approaching a raft of loons, which can cause them to dive repeatedly or move off entirely.
- Waterbird protections and boating setback rules vary considerably between countries along its migratory and wintering range, so check local guidance before approaching by boat.
- Avoid pursuing a diving bird to see where it resurfaces, as repeated diving to escape disturbance costs it valuable energy.
LCAvesGaviiformesGaviidae
Seasonal Activity
323,897 sightings · 2000–2026
Citizen science records via GBIF
All monthsThis month
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Gaviiformes
- Family
- Gaviidae
Traits
- Diet
- VertFishScav
- Foraging
- Aquatic
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Body mass
- 2.3 kg
Photo
Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons
CC-BY-SA-4.0
Occurrence data from GBIF.