A captivating and specialized bird species of the high latitudes. This bird is highly adapted to aquatic life in the cold, northern regions it calls home, spanning from Eastern Siberia across to Western Alaska.
Distinctive in appearance, the Arctic Loon boasts a black throat, which sharply contrasts with its white-spotted back during the breeding season. The striking white stripes on its neck and the dark grey nape provide a dramatic pattern that sets it apart from other loon species. In winter plumage, these birds become more uniformly dark on the head and back, with the white neck stripes fading significantly.
One of the more pronounced features of the Arctic Loon is its robust, straight bill, which is larger than that of the Pacific Loon. It also has a characteristic white patch on its rear flank, a feature that can be especially prominent in flight or when the bird is sitting on the water.
Arctic Loons have a strong preference for breeding in the freshwater lakes of the taiga and tundra, where they find the isolation and tranquility necessary for raising their chicks. These breeding sites are typically characterized by cold, clear waters, which are essential for their diving foraging strategy. In winter, they migrate to coastal bays and inshore waters, where the sea is less likely to freeze, allowing them continual access to their aquatic prey.
Their diet is primarily piscivorous, consisting mainly of fish, which they catch with their sharp bills after expertly diving and pursuing prey underwater. However, they are opportunistic feeders and will also consume mollusks, crustaceans, aquatic insects, and occasionally small amounts of aquatic vegetation when available.
Despite their wide distribution and once abundant numbers, Arctic Loon populations are facing pressures from various environmental threats. Fishing nets pose a significant danger, as loons can become entangled and drown. Oil spills can damage their waterproof plumage, leading to hypothermia and death. Acidification and heavy metal pollution in water bodies affect their food sources and can lead to toxic accumulation in the birds themselves.
Distribution
Albania
Algeria
Armenia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Belarus
Belgium
Bosnia And Herz.
Bulgaria
China
Croatia
Czechia
Denmark
Estonia
Faroe Islands
Finland
France
Georgia
Germany
Gibraltar
Greece
Hungary
India
Iran
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Korea
Kyrgyzstan
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Mexico
Moldova
Monaco
Mongolia
Montenegro
Morocco
Netherlands
North Korea
North Macedonia
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Russia
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Spain
Svalbard
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Turkey
Turkmenistan
Ukraine
United KingdomAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
