Family: Gaviidae
Habitat: Found on tundra lakes and ponds, along seacoasts and associated bays and estuaries, and occasionally on lakes and rivers (A.O.U. 1998).
Distribution: Breeding range extends from coastal Alaska east through central Yukon, Mackenzie, and the Arctic islands to Greenland; and south to Vancouver Island (along the Pacific coast), northern Saskatchewan, Hudson Bay, and northern Newfoundland. Generally winters in coastal areas; in the west from Alaska south to Baja California and Mexico; and in the east from Newfoundland south to Florida; rarely on the Gulf coast (A.O.U. 1998).
Field Marks: Grayish face and neck, with red throat patch. In winter, has pale gray crown and nape, white cheek and throat. Best field mark is the bill, thinner than in Common Loon and usually held at a slightly upturned angle.
Nest Habits: Nests on the ground, either in a depression or on a mound of mud and plants.
Eggs: 1-3, usually 2; 73 millimeter; olive-green to dark brown in color.
Incubation: Both sexes incubate the eggs and care for the young. Incubation lasts approximately 24-29 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 49-51 days old.
