Arctic Loon

Basic Description

Arctic Loons in breeding plumage are an exquisite mix of bold checkerboard back, intricately pinstriped neck, and a soft gray head that looks like it’s been dipped in early morning fog. Across the boreal forest of Eurasia, this medium-sized waterbird breeds on large lakes, where it dives after fish. In eastern Asia and western Alaska, Arctic Loon occurs together with the very similar Pacific Loon and is best identified by its white flank patches. Like other loons, its song is a high, echoing yodel.