Loons Gaviidae
This family is grouped into a single genus. Known in the Old World as divers, there are 5 species of loons, none of which are threatened. Some authorities consider the Pacific Loon Gavia pacifica, which is restricted to North America, a race of the Arctic Loon Gavia arctica. More study is needed to to shed more light on this taxonomic issue. Loons are restricted to the Northern Hemisphere, and are considered one of the most primitive of all living birds. They are very much at home in the water, but appear very awkward when rarely seen on land.

Gavia
There are 5 species within this genus.

Known as the White-billed Diver in the Old World, the Yellow-billed Loon Gavia adamsii breeds mainly along the coasts of the Arctic Ocean. They winter along the northwestern and northeastern Pacific Ocean, and also off the coast of northwestern Norway. Although considered very rare in the interior USA, I have observed two of several individual Yellow-billed Loons reported on Lake Havasu, Arizona. This individual was present for several weeks on Lake Havasu, which I photographed under the world famous London Bridge.



Home  

Tony@artfullbirds.com