Family Loons/Divers (Gaviidae)
Near Threatened
Yellow-billed Loon (Gavia adamsii)
Taxonomy
French: Plongeon à bec blanc German: Gelbschnabeltaucher Spanish: Colimbo de Adams
Other common names:
White-billed Diver
Taxonomy:
Colymbus adamsii
G. R. Gray
, 1859,Alaska
.Distribution:
Holarctic, breeding mainly along coasts of Arctic Ocean as far N as c. 78° N; winters in coastal waters of NW & NE Pacific and also off NW Norway.
Descriptive notes
76–91 cm; 4050–6400 g; wingspan 137–152 cm. Largest diver, often with pronounced bulge on forecrown and notably thick-based neck; large bill often appears... read more
Voice
During breeding seaons, male emits loud yodelling, wailing series of “aaa” and “ooo” notes, also... read more
Habitat
Breeds mostly on freshwater pools or lakes of tundra, less frequently on low-lying Arctic coast,... read more
Food and feeding
Little known. Mostly fish, including sculpin (Cottidae), tomcod (Microgadus proximus) and cod (Gadus morhua); also... read more
Breeding
Begins mostly in early Jun, but timing largely dependent on spring thaw. Solitary. Nest a heap of plant matter or turf built near water... read more
Movements
Migratory. Generally moves S and towards sea after breeding, shunning ice-covered waters; occurs S... read more
Status and conservation
Not globally threatened. Currently considered Near Threatened. Very little known of numbers. According to US Fish & Wildlife Service, global population thought to be in... read more
Closely related to G. immer. Probable hybridization with latter reported#R. Monotypic.