Loons are found in Oregon, where they are a common sight along the coast and on larger inland bodies of water, particularly during the non-breeding season. These large, diving waterbirds are recognized by their streamlined bodies and legs set far back for efficient underwater propulsion. Loons are specialized fish-eaters that spend most of their time on the water, only coming ashore to nest in their northern breeding grounds. Their presence in the state is part of a massive annual migration that brings them south from their Arctic and Canadian homes to the relatively milder Pacific waters.
Loons That Visit Oregon
Oregon hosts three regularly occurring loon species and one extremely rare visitor, each possessing distinct physical characteristics, especially in their winter plumage. The Common Loon is the largest of the three most frequent species, appearing blocky-headed with a thick, straight, dagger-like bill that is often held horizontally on the water. In their dull winter state, Common Loons are dark gray above and white below, distinguished by a jagged, irregular boundary where the dark feathers of the hindneck meet the white foreneck.
The Pacific Loon is smaller and slimmer than the Common Loon, featuring a thinner, straight bill and a slightly rounder head profile. This species is identified in winter by the sharp, straight line of contrast between the dark hindneck and the white throat, lacking the Common Loon’s jagged neck pattern. The Red-throated Loon is the smallest and palest of the three, typically holding its slender, narrow bill slightly upturned. Its winter identification includes a uniform, pale gray back and a gradual blending of the gray hindneck into the white foreneck, without the sharp demarcation seen on the Pacific Loon.
The fourth species, the Yellow-billed Loon, is considered an extremely rare visitor to the state, with the majority of records occurring as transient birds between November and June. This species is very similar to the Common Loon but has a larger, pale yellow bill in its breeding plumage, and its larger size helps differentiate it from the other loons.
Seasonal Timing and Migration Status
Loons are seasonal residents in Oregon, functioning almost exclusively as winter visitors and migrants, not year-round breeding birds. These birds arrive in the state during their southward migration, primarily utilizing the Oregon coast as a wintering ground. The initial wave of loons typically begins to appear in late September, with the peak arrival occurring in October and November.
The birds spend the winter months foraging in Oregon’s coastal waters before beginning their northward journey back to their breeding territories. Departure for their northern breeding grounds in Alaska, Canada, and the northern United States generally takes place in the spring. Peak spring migration, especially for the Pacific Loon, often occurs in April and May, when large numbers of birds may be observed flying along the coast.
Primary Habitats and Viewing Locations
The primary habitats for loons in Oregon are distinctly divided between the marine environment of the Pacific Coast and large inland freshwater bodies used as stopover points. The Pacific Coast serves as the main wintering area, where loons are often seen foraging just offshore, sometimes close enough to be viewed from beaches and jetties. The Pacific Loon is the most abundant species found off the Oregon coast during this time, often migrating in large groups.
Reliable viewing spots along the coast include Yaquina Bay near Newport, Fort Stevens State Park, and the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area. Common Loons, while also abundant along the coast, are more likely to be seen on large inland lakes and reservoirs during migration staging. These inland freshwater locations, such as Suttle Lake and Wickiup Reservoir in Central Oregon, attract loons that pause to rest and feed before continuing their journey. The Columbia River, particularly near Portland at locations like Broughton Beach, can host loons, primarily Common Loons, during the migration season.