Arctic Loon Bird Facts (Gavia arctica)

Visual Identification

Appearance

During the breeding season, the Arctic Lon boasts striking black-and-white plumage. Its head and neck are glossy black, offset by distinctive white stripes on the neck and a checkerboard pattern on the back. The bird's dagger-like bill is jet black, complementing its overall striking appearance.

In winter, the plumage becomes duller, with the upper parts turning greyish-brown and the underparts white. Juveniles resemble winter adults but have a more mottled appearance on the back and wings.

Size

Length

58cm to 77cm

Wingspan

100cm to 130cm

Weight

1.5kg to 3.4kg

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Black White

Secondary Colour

Grey

Beak Colour

Black

Leg Colour

Black

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Arctic Loon is not typically found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Arctic Loon is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Arctic Loon can be found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Arctic Loon can be found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Arctic Loon is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Arctic Loon is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Arctic Loon is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Arctic Loon is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Arctic Loon can be found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Arctic Loon is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Arctic Loon is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Arctic Loon is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

Arctic Loons breed across the northern reaches of North America, Europe, and Asia, favouring large, deep freshwater lakes in the boreal forest and tundra regions. These birds require clear waters for fishing and undisturbed shorelines for nesting.

During winter, they migrate to coastal waters, with significant populations found along the coasts of the UK, Norway, and other parts of northern Europe. In North America, they winter along Pacific and Atlantic coasts, from Alaska to California and Newfoundland to Florida.

Elevation Range

Sea level to 500 meters

Climate zones

Subarctic, Temperate, Boreal

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Arctic Loon. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
How birds move around during different seasons

Resident

Breeding

Non-breeding

Vagrant

Distribution by Region

Species that can be found in the area throughout the year

Belarus Bosnia and Herzegovina China Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany India Japan Kyrgyzstan Latvia Lithuania Moldova Monaco North Korea Norway Poland Romania Russia South Korea Sweden Taiwan The United Kingdom Ukraine

Species that are present in the area during their breeding season

Kazakhstan Mongolia Russia Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands Turkmenistan

Species that are present in the area outside their breeding season

Albania Austria Azerbaijan Belgium Bulgaria Croatia Czech Republic Georgia Greece Hungary Iran Ireland Italy Macedonia Montenegro Netherlands Serbia Slovakia Slovenia Spain Switzerland Turkey

Species that appear infrequently (rare) and unpredictably outside their normal range

Algeria Armenia Faroe Islands Gibraltar Israel Jordan Luxembourg Morocco Portugal

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

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Bird Attributes Explained

Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.

Attribute Categories:

Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Understanding the Ratings:

0-20: Very Low
21-40: Low
41-60: Average
61-80: High
81-100: Very High

Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 90

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

The Arctic Loon exhibits exceptional aquatic agility, capable of swift, precise movements underwater. Their ability to dive to depths of 30 metres and stay submerged for up to a minute demonstrates remarkable manoeuvrability in their aquatic environment.

Strength 75

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

Whilst not the strongest bird, Arctic Loons possess considerable strength for their size. Their ability to catch and handle fish, coupled with their capacity for long-distance migration, indicates a robust musculature and overall physical prowess.

Adaptability 85

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

Arctic Loons show high adaptability, thriving in diverse habitats from tundra lakes to coastal waters. Their ability to adjust to seasonal changes, migrate long distances, and utilise various food sources across different ecosystems underscores their adaptable nature.

Aggressiveness 60

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

Generally not overly aggressive, Arctic Loons do display territorial behaviour during breeding season. Their haunting calls and occasional sharp, barking sounds during disputes suggest a moderate level of aggression when defending their territory or young.

Endurance 95

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Arctic Loons demonstrate exceptional endurance. Their capacity for long-distance migration, ability to dive repeatedly to significant depths, and longevity of up to 30 years in the wild all point to remarkable stamina and resilience.

Diet

Arctic Loons primarily feed on fish, diving to depths of up to 30 meters to catch their prey. Their diet includes a variety of small to medium-sized fish, such as herring, cod, and trout.

They also consume crustaceans, molluscs, and aquatic insects, especially during the breeding season when inland.

Behaviour

Arctic Loons are exceptional divers, capable of staying submerged for up to a minute while hunting fish. On land, they move awkwardly because their legs are positioned far back on their bodies, an adaptation for efficient swimming.

During the breeding season, pairs engage in elaborate courtship displays, including synchronised swimming and haunting duets.

Vocalisation

The Arctic Loon's call is a haunting, yodel-like wail that echoes across northern lakes. Their vocalisations include a series of loud, mournful 'oooo-AH-oooo' calls, often given in duets between pairs.

They may emit sharp, barking sounds during territorial disputes, adding to their diverse vocal repertoire.

Nesting & Breeding

Arctic Loons form monogamous pairs and often return to the same breeding site year after year. The breeding season typically begins in May or June, coinciding with the thaw of northern lakes.

Nests are built close to the water's edge, often on small islands or hummocks. The nest is a simple scrape lined with vegetation, where the female lays 1-2 olive-brown eggs with dark spots.

Both parents incubate the eggs for about 28-30 days. Chicks are precocial, able to swim shortly after hatching, but are often seen riding on their parents' backs. Fledging occurs after 60-65 days, with the young becoming independent around 3-4 months of age.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern ^[1]

While currently listed as Least Concern, Arctic Loons face threats from oil spills, fishing net entanglement, and habitat degradation. Climate change poses a significant long-term risk, potentially altering their breeding habitats and prey availability.

Conservation efforts focus on protecting breeding sites and migratory stopover points.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

275,000 - 1,500,000 individuals ^[2]

Global Population Trend

^[3]

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

Birdwatching Tips

Look for Arctic Loons on large, deep lakes in northern regions during summer.
In winter, scan coastal waters, especially in the UK and along the North Sea coast.
Listen for their distinctive yodelling call, which carries far across the water.
Observe their diving behaviour, noting the smooth entry into the water with barely a splash.

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Black-throated Loon, Black-throated Diver

Family:

Gaviidae

Average Lifespan

20 years

Max Lifespan

27.9 years ^[4]

Predators

Adult Arctic Loons have few natural predators, but eggs and chicks are vulnerable to large gulls, ravens, foxes, and occasionally large fish.

Did You Know?

Arctic Loons can live for over 30 years in the wild, making them one of the longer-lived waterbird species.
They swallow small pebbles to aid digestion, which helps grind up fish bones in their gizzards.
Despite their name, Arctic Loons also breed in subarctic and even temperate regions, showcasing their adaptability to various climates.