Arctic Loon
Least ConcernGavia arctica
Visual Identification
Arctic Loon
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
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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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.
Lifespan
The Arctic Loon typically lives for 20 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 27.9 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
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.
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:
GaviidaePredators
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.
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References
- 2 4
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Gavia arctica. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22697834A132606505.
View source - 3
report, 2015: Wetlands International
- 1
website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds
View source