Loons—also known as divers in Europe—are elegant waterbirds known for their haunting calls, expert diving, and striking plumage. While there are only five true species, loons go by many names depending on where you are in the world. This list covers 12 recognized types, including regional names like Black-throated Diver, White-billed Diver, and Green-throated Loon, with key ID features and where each is found.
1. Common Loon
The Common Loon (Gavia immer) is the most widespread and recognized loon species in North America. Known for its haunting, echoing calls and striking black-and-white summer plumage, it is also the national bird of Canada.
Identification
- Breeding plumage: black head and neck, white “necklace” stripes, black-and-white checkered back
- Non-breeding plumage: dull gray above, white below
- Red eyes, thick pointed bill
- Length: 70–90 cm
- Wingspan: 1.2–1.5 meters
Behavior
Strong swimmer and deep diver—can dive over 60 meters to catch fish. Often seen floating low in the water or calling loudly across lakes. Pairs are territorial during breeding season and share nesting duties.
Habitat
Breeds on freshwater lakes and ponds in Canada and northern U.S. Winters along coastal waters of the Atlantic and Pacific. Prefers clear water for hunting and nesting sites with little disturbance.
Diet
Mainly fish (perch, sunfish, trout), but also eats crustaceans, mollusks, and aquatic insects. Swallows prey underwater using sharp, spear-like bill.
2. Great Northern Diver
The Great Northern Diver is the European name for the Common Loon (Gavia immer). While it is the same species, this name is widely used in the UK, Ireland, and parts of Europe, especially during the bird’s winter migration to coastal waters.
Identification
- Large body with heavy, dagger-like bill
- Winter plumage: dark gray upperparts and white underparts
- Breeding plumage (seen in Arctic breeding grounds): black head, checker-patterned back, white-striped neck
- Red eyes (faint in winter), white chin and throat
- Wingspan: up to 1.5 meters
- Length: 70–90 cm
Behavior
Seen off rocky coasts or in bays during winter. Swims low in the water and dives silently to hunt. Less vocal in Europe due to non-breeding status, but still makes low groaning and yodel-like sounds.
Habitat
Winters along North Atlantic coasts — from the UK and Ireland down to the Mediterranean. Breeds in Greenland, Iceland, and North America but only visits Europe for wintering.
Diet
Feeds mostly on coastal fish like sand eels, herring, and flatfish. Catches prey underwater with quick, precise dives. Sometimes dives up to 60 meters deep.
3. Red-throated Loon
The Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata) is the smallest and most widespread loon species. It is easily recognized in breeding season by its slender body and red throat patch. It’s often the first loon species to return to northern lakes in spring.
Identification
- Breeding plumage: gray head and neck, dark back, and a bold red throat patch
- Non-breeding plumage: pale gray above, white below, with a thin, straight bill
- Smallest loon: length 55–67 cm, wingspan 1.0–1.2 meters
- Bill often held slightly upward in a tilted pose
Behavior
More agile and lightweight than other loons. Flies easily and can take off from land (most loons require a water runway). Calls include sharp barks and wailing cries, especially during nesting.
Habitat
Breeds in Arctic tundra lakes, ponds, and marshes across Europe, Asia, and North America. Winters in coastal bays, estuaries, and sheltered sea waters in more temperate regions.
Diet
Feeds on small fish, crustaceans, and marine invertebrates. Hunts by diving and chasing prey underwater. May also take insects during breeding season.
4. Red-throated Diver
The Red-throated Diver is the European name for the Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata). It is commonly seen along the coasts of the UK, Ireland, and northern Europe, especially in winter. It’s the most frequently spotted loon in Europe and also the most agile in flight.
Identification
- Winter plumage: pale gray upperparts, clean white face and underparts
- Slim, straight dark bill, often held at an upward angle
- Breeding plumage (seen in Arctic regions): gray head and neck with a vivid chestnut-red throat patch
- Smallest of all loons
- Length: 55–67 cm
- Wingspan: 1.0–1.2 meters
Behavior
Very graceful in water and more aerial than other loons. Can take off from smaller water bodies and even snow-covered land. Often seen solo or in small groups during migration and winter. Less aggressive and quieter than larger species.
Habitat
Winters around rocky coastlines, bays, and estuaries of Europe and western Asia. Breeds on small tundra pools and freshwater lakes across the Arctic. Nests are built close to water edges on moss or grass.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small fish, crustaceans, and marine worms. Hunts by diving and swimming underwater. In freshwater, may also take aquatic insects or small amphibians.
5. Arctic Loon (Black-throated Loon)
The Arctic Loon (Gavia arctica), also known as the Black-throated Loon, is a medium-sized loon species found in northern Europe and Asia. It is known for its striking breeding plumage and clear, flute-like calls during nesting season.
Identification
- Breeding plumage: black throat with a glossy purple or green sheen, gray head, white-striped neck, and checkered black-and-white back
- Non-breeding plumage: gray-brown upperparts, white underparts
- Sharp, pointed black bill
- Slightly larger than the Red-throated Loon
- Length: 63–75 cm
- Wingspan: 1.1–1.3 meters
Behavior
More secretive than Common Loons. Strong swimmer and diver. Very territorial during breeding season, especially around nesting lakes. Known for its eerie, yodeling call that echoes across northern lakes.
Habitat
Breeds on deep Arctic and subarctic freshwater lakes in Scandinavia, Russia, and parts of northern Asia. Winters in coastal waters of the North Sea, Black Sea, and western Pacific.
Diet
Feeds mainly on fish, including perch, smelt, and trout. Also eats crustaceans and aquatic insects, especially during chick-rearing. Dives deeply to pursue prey and surfaces far from its dive point.
6. Black-throated Diver
The Black-throated Diver is the European name for the Arctic Loon (Gavia arctica), especially referring to the subspecies Gavia arctica arctica found across northern Europe. It is well known in the UK and Scandinavia for its haunting calls and striking summer plumage.
Identification
- Breeding plumage: deep black throat, gray head, striped neck, and checker-patterned back
- Winter plumage: smooth gray above, white below, dark back
- Straight black bill and red eyes
- Sleek body, slightly smaller than the Common Loon
- Length: 63–75 cm
- Wingspan: up to 1.3 meters
Behavior
Solitary during breeding, very territorial on lakes. Less vocal than the Common Loon but still makes flute-like wails and calls. In winter, often seen floating alone near rocky shorelines or quiet bays.
Habitat
Breeds on remote, deep freshwater lakes in Scotland, Norway, Iceland, and northern Russia. Winters along coastal waters of western Europe, especially in sheltered bays and fjords.
Diet
Feeds mostly on small to medium fish, especially during breeding. Also eats aquatic insects, crustaceans, and amphibians. Dives silently and surfaces far from its starting point to avoid predators or disturbance.
7. Green-throated Loon
The Green-throated Loon refers to the Asian subspecies of the Arctic Loon — Gavia arctica viridigularis. It is similar to the European Black-throated Loon but has a greenish sheen on its throat instead of purple, and is found across eastern Russia and parts of Asia.
Identification
- Similar size and shape to the Arctic Loon
- Glossy green-black throat in breeding season
- Gray crown and neck with vertical white stripes
- Black-and-white checkered back
- Non-breeding plumage: pale gray above, white below
- Length: 63–75 cm
- Wingspan: around 1.2–1.3 meters
Behavior
Breeds in isolated freshwater lakes in northern Asia. Shy and elusive, less commonly observed than other loon types. Forms strong pair bonds and defends territory during nesting season.
Habitat
Breeds in remote Arctic lakes and ponds in Siberia and northeastern Asia. Winters along coastal areas of the Sea of Japan, Yellow Sea, and China’s eastern coastline.
Diet
Feeds on small fish, aquatic insects, and crustaceans. Uses quick, direct dives to catch prey. Hunting is more active during the early morning and late afternoon.
8. Pacific Loon
The Pacific Loon (Gavia pacifica) is a sleek, fast-flying loon species native to North America and northeastern Asia. It’s known for its smooth gray head, crisp patterns, and sharp calls during breeding. Unlike larger loons, it can take off more easily from water.
Identification
- Breeding plumage: smooth gray head, vertical black-and-white striped neck, and deep red eyes
- Shiny black back with fine white spots
- Non-breeding plumage: dull gray-brown above, white below
- Smaller and slimmer than the Common Loon
- Length: 58–74 cm
- Wingspan: 1.1–1.3 meters
Behavior
Flies long distances with rapid wingbeats. Breeds in isolated northern lakes and is very vocal during nesting—producing wails and yodels. More social during migration, often seen in groups along coasts.
Habitat
Breeds in tundra lakes and ponds across Alaska, Canada, and eastern Siberia. Winters along the Pacific coast, from Alaska to Baja California, and parts of East Asia.
Diet
Feeds on small fish, aquatic insects, and crustaceans. Dives to catch prey and swallows it underwater. May forage in small flocks during winter months.
9. Pacific Diver
The Pacific Diver is another name for the Pacific Loon, used mainly in Europe and by some taxonomists. This name helps distinguish it from similar loons during migration and winter sightings along western Europe’s coast.
Identification
- Identical to Pacific Loon (see above)
- Key traits: sleek profile, thin straight bill, clean black-and-white neck striping
- Slightly smaller and lighter than Arctic Loon
- Sometimes confused with Black-throated Diver but has smoother head and shorter bill
Behavior
Seen along coastal waters of the UK, Ireland, and northern Europe during winter. Rare but regular visitor. Usually solitary, quiet, and mixes with other sea ducks and loons in feeding areas.
Habitat
Winters in shallow coastal bays, estuaries, and rocky shorelines. Mostly migratory through Siberia and Alaska, reaching East Asia and sometimes Europe in non-breeding season.
Diet
Same as Pacific Loon: feeds on small fish, shrimp, and aquatic invertebrates, captured while diving in open sea or brackish water.
10. Yellow-billed Loon
The Yellow-billed Loon (Gavia adamsii) is the largest of all loon species. It closely resembles the Common Loon in pattern but has a distinctive pale yellow bill. It breeds in the far Arctic and is rarely seen by most people except during migration or in remote areas.
Identification
- Breeding plumage: black head and back, white-striped neck, and white checkered back
- Large, ivory-yellow bill held slightly uptilted
- Red eyes, black legs
- Non-breeding plumage: dull gray above, white below
- Length: 76–97 cm
- Wingspan: 1.4–1.5 meters
Behavior
Shy and solitary. Prefers remote breeding grounds and is rarely vocal outside nesting season. Its calls are deep and haunting. Territorial in summer, especially on large Arctic lakes.
Habitat
Breeds on tundra lakes in northern Alaska, Canada, and Siberia. Winters in cold coastal waters, especially along the Bering Sea, North Pacific, and East Asian coasts.
Diet
Feeds on medium to large fish, including trout and grayling. Also eats crustaceans and aquatic invertebrates. Dives deeply and hunts with powerful thrusts of its legs.
11. White-billed Diver
The White-billed Diver is the European name for the Yellow-billed Loon (Gavia adamsii). It’s a rare winter visitor to northern Europe, especially the coasts of Norway, Scotland, and Iceland.
Identification
- Identical to Yellow-billed Loon
- Key trait: pale ivory or white bill held at a slight upward angle
- Slightly bulkier and heavier-looking than the Great Northern Diver
- Large, round head and deep chest
Behavior
Very quiet during winter. Often floats motionless or dives alone in deep, cold coastal waters. Rarely comes close to shore, making it a prized bird among European birdwatchers.
Habitat
Winters in deep fjords, open seas, and sheltered bays of the North Atlantic and Arctic Ocean. Breeds far inland in Arctic tundra lakes of Russia and North America.
Diet
Feeds mainly on large fish, caught by diving deep underwater. Also eats shellfish and small aquatic animals, especially when fish are scarce.
12. Siberian Loon
The Siberian Loon is an older or informal name sometimes used to refer to the Asian population of the Yellow-billed Loon (Gavia adamsii) or occasionally to the Green-throated Loon (Gavia arctica viridigularis). Though not a separate species, the term highlights loons that breed in remote northern Russia and eastern Siberia.
Identification
- Typically refers to Yellow-billed Loon with ivory bill and heavy build
- In some uses, may describe Green-throated Loon with a subtle green throat gloss
- Both show strong black-and-white contrast in breeding plumage
- Large size and pale bill help distinguish it from other loons
Behavior
Similar to Yellow-billed or Arctic Loons—solitary, quiet, and prefers undisturbed breeding lakes. Seen rarely in migration or winter along the coasts of eastern Russia, China, or Korea.
Habitat
Remote Arctic tundra lakes and rivers in Siberia and Far East Russia. Some winter along the Sea of Okhotsk, Bering Sea, and coastal East Asia.
Diet
Feeds on fish, crustaceans, and aquatic invertebrates. Dives deeply and is well adapted to cold, icy environments. Uses powerful feet to chase prey underwater.
FAQs
1. Are loons and divers the same birds?
Yes. In North America, they’re called loons, while in Europe (especially the UK), they’re called divers. Both names refer to the same bird family (Gaviidae), known for diving underwater to catch fish.
2. How many true loon species exist?
There are five recognized loon species worldwide: Common, Red-throated, Arctic, Pacific, and Yellow-billed Loon. Each has a unique range and appearance, but all are aquatic and expert divers.
3. What’s the difference between a Common Loon and a Great Northern Diver?
Nothing—these are two names for the same species (Gavia immer). “Common Loon” is used in North America, while “Great Northern Diver” is the British/European name.
4. Why do loons have different names like White-billed Diver or Green-throated Loon?
These names reflect regional language (UK vs. North America) or slight variations in subspecies. For example, “White-billed Diver” is the European name for the Yellow-billed Loon.
5. Where can I see loons in the wild?
Loons breed in northern lakes of Canada, Alaska, Scandinavia, and Russia. In winter, they move to coastal waters, including the Pacific, Atlantic, North Sea, and parts of Asia and the Mediterranean.
