Yellow-billed Loon vs Common Loon

Gavia adamsii compared with Gavia immer

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Yellow-billed Loon Common Loon
Scientific Name Gavia adamsii Gavia immer
Order Gaviiformes Gaviiformes
Family Gaviidae Gaviidae
Conservation Status Near Threatened Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 74.3 cm (29.3 in) 73.0 cm (28.7 in)
Weight 5125.0 g (180.78 oz) 4898.333333333333 g (172.78 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 2 1-3
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Yellow-billed Loon only

None

Common Loon only

None

Conservation Status

Near Threatened

Yellow-billed Loon

Least Concern

Common Loon

About These Birds

Yellow-billed Loon

Yellow-billed Loon, 77–100 cm, is the largest loon, breeding on Arctic tundra lakes of North America and Russia, wintering on sub-Arctic coasts. Ivory-yellow upturned bill diagnostic. Otherwise similar to Common Loon. Piscivore; dives for fish in coastal waters. Near Threatened; climate-sensitive Arctic breeder.

Common Loon

Common Loon, 69–91 cm, is the iconic waterbird of North American wilderness lakes. Breeding plumage: iridescent black head, white necklace, chequered black-and-white back. Eerie wailing call. Piscivore; dives to 60 m. Winters on coastal seas. State bird of Minnesota; featured on Canadian dollar coin.

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