Family: Gaviidae, Loons view all from this family

Description ADULT Has blue-gray on face and sides of neck, red throat, and black and white lines on back of neck and, lower down, on sides of neck too. Upperparts are otherwise gray-brown while underparts are whitish. In winter, has gray upperparts, spangled with small white spots. Underparts are white. JUVENILE Similar to winter adult, but upper_parts are browner and underparts appear grubby.

Dimensions Length: 24-27" (61-69 cm)

Habitat Nests beside small pools and fairly common within Arctic range. Outside breeding season, found in shallow coastal seas.

Observation Tips Easiest to find in winter.

Range Northwest, Eastern Canada, California, Western Canada, Southeast, Alaska, Southwest, Mid-Atlantic, Plains, Great Lakes, Texas, New England, Florida, Rocky Mountains

Voice Utters a gooselike kaa-kaa-kaa in flight.

Discussion Elegant loon that holds head and daggerlike bill tilted upward. Sexes are similar.