Common Loon vs Pacific Loon
Gavia immer compared with Gavia pacifica
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Common Loon | Pacific Loon |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gavia immer | Gavia pacifica |
| Order | Gaviiformes | Gaviiformes |
| Family | Gaviidae | Gaviidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 73.0 cm (28.7 in) | 58.2 cm (22.9 in) |
| Weight | 4898.333333333333 g (172.78 oz) | 1756.1666666666667 g (61.95 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-3 | 1-3 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Common Loon
Least Concern
Pacific Loon
About These Birds
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.
Pacific Loon
Pacific Loon, 58–74 cm, breeds on Arctic tundra lakes across Alaska and northern Canada, wintering off the Pacific coast to Baja California. Very similar to Arctic Loon but smaller, with a pale grey nape and purple-green throat patch. Piscivore; dives in coastal seas. Forms large flocks on migration.