The Pacific Loon is the most abundant loon in North America. In breeding plumage the sleek gray head and white-striped black neck are distinctive. Massive migration concentrations off Pacific headlands — sometimes hundreds of thousands in a single day at Monterey Bay — represent one of North America's great migration spectacles. It is more strictly marine in winter than the Common Loon.
Best time to see a Pacific Loon
The best time to see a Pacific Loon is January–June, when about 63% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 3,309 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Pacific Loon? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Pacific Loon sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Pacific Loon?
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.