Yellow-billed Loon

Gavia adamsiiOrder: GAVIIFORMESFamily: Loons (Gaviidae)

Breeding Location:

Lakes, Tundra, Coastal ponds, Ponds



Breeding Type:

Monogamous, Solitary nester



Breeding Population:

Uncommon to rare



Egg Color:

Olive or brown with dark brown spots



Number of Eggs:

1 - 2



Incubation Days:

27 - 30



Egg Incubator:

Both sexes



Nest Material:

Lined with grasses.



Migration:

Migratory



Splitbar

Overview

Yellow-billed Loon: Large loon, white-spotted black upperparts, white underparts, gray sides with fine white spots. Head is glossy green-black; neck has black-and-white rings. Yellow bill. Dives for small fish, crustaceans. Direct flight on deep wing beats. Solitary, or in pairs and family groups.

Range and Habitat

Yellow-billed Loon: Breeds in northern reaches of Canada, but migrates to southern Alaska and British Columbia, where it is commonly seen. Prefers tundra lakes and ponds in summer, winters on inshore coastal waters.

Breeding and Nesting

Yellow-billed Loon: One or two dark brown spotted, olive or brown eggs are laid in a grass-lined depression near the water. Incubation ranges from 27 to 30 days and is carried out by both parents.

Foraging and Feeding

Yellow-billed Loon: Feeds on small fish and crustaceans; forages by diving underwater.

Readily Eats

Vocalization

Yellow-billed Loon: Utters yodeling calls similar to those of Common Loons, but louder and harsher; flight call is a "ha-ha-ha-ha-ha."

Similar Species

Yellow-billed Loon: Common loon has gray bill.

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Family Loon (Gaviidae)_blue
Species Gavia adamsii
Length30 - 36 Inches
Wingspan57 Inches

Yellow-billed Loon

Yellow-billed Loon: Large loon, white-spotted black upperparts, white underparts, gray sides with fine white spots. Head is glossy green-black; neck has black-and-white rings. Yellow bill. Dives for small fish, crustaceans. Direct flight on deep wing beats. Solitary, or in pairs and family groups.

● Song: "ha-ha-ha-ha-ha"

● Foraging & Feeding: Yellow-billed Loon: Feeds on small fish and crustaceans; forages by diving underwater.

● Breeding & nesting: Yellow-billed Loon: One or two dark brown spotted, olive or brown eggs are laid in a grass-lined depression near the water. Incubation ranges from 27 to 30 days and is carried out by both parents.

● Similar species: Yellow-billed Loon: Common loon has gray bill.

Flight Pattern

Fast direct flight on strong deep wing beats with head, neck, and feet extended beyond body.
Yellow-billed Loon Body Illustration
● Range & Habitat: Yellow-billed Loon: Breeds in northern reaches of Canada, but migrates to southern Alaska and British Columbia, where it is commonly seen. Prefers tundra lakes and ponds in summer, winters on inshore coastal waters.
BreedingMonogamous, Solitary nester
PopulationUncommon to rare
MigrationMigratory
Weight193.6 Ounces