Alternative name: Pacific Diver
- Gavia pacifica
Identification
L. 65-66cm
Ws. 118cm
- Black back with white checkerboard pattern
- Dove-gray head
- Purple throat patch
Similar Species
Similar to the Arctic Loon/Black-throated Diver but smaller and with a finer bill.
Distribution
North-eastern Siberia and in northern North America from Alaska east to Hudson Bay. Winters off Japan and the Pacific coast of the United States and Canada. Accidental vagrant in the eastern United States.
Taxonomy
This is a monotypic species.
Habitat
Medium-large lakes and winters at sea.
Behaviour
Breeding
Breeds early-May to September. It builds nests beside water often on an island or spit, a shallow scrape or sometimes a substantial mound of vegetation built in shallow water. It lays 2 eggs which are olive brown with black blotches. Both sexes incubate for approx 28 days. The young feed themselves at 35 days and fly at 60 days.
Diet
Fish, also molluscs and crustaceans.
Voice
Wailing, croaking and cackling calls.
