How to Identify a Loon

Coloring

• 1

  Discern the Red-Throated Loon by its triangle of chestnut-red coloring on the throat. Its rounded, slate-grey head boasts a sharply-defined eye. Fine white lines streak the neck. The wings and back fade into a brownish-grey. Overall, the Red-Throated Loon is paler than most other loons.

• 2

  Identify the Yellow-Billed Loon by its yellow-white bill. This loon usually grows larger than the Common Loon and has a browner back and a longer bill that angles upward from the bottom half. White marking behind the eyes stands out from within its dark face.

• 3

  Look for the Arctic Loon, often grouped together with the Pacific Loon, by a necklace of brown coloring wrapped around its white throat. Brown caps its round head, nape and eye. A darker brown colors its back.

• 4

  Detect the Pacific Loon by the white squares patterned on its back and wings. Pearl-grey colors the back of its head and neck, contrasting with its black throat. Its upper chest sports streaks of white, while its under-feathers shine pale silver.

• 5

  Spot the Common Loon most easily by its outer contour feathers which sport a black and white checkered pattern. Its throat, face, belly and under-wing gleam white, while its head and steep forehead shine black.

Vocalization

• 6

  Listen for "hoots" which are short individual notes sounding like a "hoo." Hoots promote communication in a social setting, such as when loons congregate in groups or as a greeting when a loon enters or leaves a group.

• 7

  Recognize the longer and lovelier "wail" which helps loons measure the distance between them. With wails loons can conduct a conversation where one asks, "Where are you?" and the other responds, "Here I am."

• 8

  Prepare for "tremolos" which raise the alarm and sound like a crazy laugh. Loons use tremolos most frequently when humans approach the nest or a group of young loons. Therefore the tremolo is the most commonly heard and recognized loon vocalization.

• 9

  Enjoy loon yodels, which only the males emit. The yodel usually lasts long, up to 6 seconds, and it uses repetitive notes in the middle. Each loon has a distinct yodel.