Editing Pacific loon (section)

==Description==
Breeding adults are like a smaller sleeker version of common loon. They measure {{convert|58|-|74|cm|in|abbr=on}} in length, {{convert|110|-|128|cm|in|abbr=on}} in wingspan and weigh {{convert|1|-|2.5|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.<ref>[http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Pacific_Loon/lifehistory] (2011).</ref> They have a grey head, black throat, white underparts and chequered black-and-white mantle. The black throat has purple reflections. Non-breeding [[Feather|plumage]] is drabber with the chin and foreneck white.<ref name="BullFarrand1994">{{cite book|last1=Bull|first1=John L.|last2=Farrand, Jr.|first2=John|title=The National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Birds: Eastern region|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MKzcSL8wF6IC|edition=2|year=1994|publisher=Knopf|isbn=978-0-679-42852-7|pages=338–339}}</ref> Its bill is grey or whitish and dagger-shaped.

In all plumages, lack of a white flank patch distinguishes this species from the otherwise very similar [[black-throated loon]]. The Pacific loon can be differentiated from the [[red-throated loon]] in winter by the latter's paler look, the fact that the red-throated loon has less of a contrast between both the crown and hindneck and the throat, and the bill that looks to be upturned.<ref name="BullFarrand1994"/>

Like other [[gaviiformes]], the Pacific loon's legs are located towards the back of its body making it difficult for it to walk on land. The leg placement helps the loons efficiently forage for food underwater. The physiological structure of the Pacific loon makes taking off from land practically impossible, and the loon requires 30–50 yards on the water to successfully attain flight.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Online bird guide, bird ID help, life history, bird sounds from Cornell|url=https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/|access-date=2020-10-06|website=All About Birds|language=en-US}}</ref> This distance requirement for [[takeoff]] limits the number of lakes the Pacific loon can realistically breed and forage on.

=== Calls ===
The Pacific loon most actively calls in the spring and summer and has a wide range of calls. When feeding, the Pacific loon may produce an "ark"-like vocalization, a sharp, short call. Additionally, the Pacific loon has a call similar to that of its relative the [[common loon]], it is a loud, eerie, oo-loo-lee wail or yodel that can travel for miles and is typically heard during the loon's breeding season. The loons can also make short and harsh "kok-kok-kok-kok" calls along with a range of other smaller cackles, growls, barks, and clucking noises.<ref name="BullFarrand1994" /><ref name=":0" />[[File:Pacific Loon.jpg|thumb|Pacific loon]]