The flight of Pacific loons by the thousands along the coast each spring and fall is one of Oregon's most dramatic bird migrations. Stunning plumage often clothes these fast-flying travelers. The straight bill, distinguishing Pacific from red-throated and yellow-billed, is less robust than that of common loons. The Pacific's head is larger and its neck thicker than those of the red-throated. In flight, Pacific's wing-beats are faster than those of common, loons the feet appear larger, the forecrown is rounder, and the hindcrown more sloped than those of red-throated loons.

This is the most abundant loon off the Oregon coast (though not in estuaries), especially in April and May and possibly in October. It occurs occasionally inland in fall throughout the state.

Hear the call of the Pacific loon

Photo by Mick Thompson, Flickr