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See Kaufman (1992, Am. Birds 46:1187-1190) for detailed information on identification of birds in basic plumage. Eggs: in Oregon, mean length was 44.6 mm, mean width was 30.2 mm, and mean mass was 22.8 g (Hill et al. 1995, Condor 97:1062-1064).

Distinguished from other four loon species by the color of its bill, which is yellow in breeding plumage and pale yellow to ivory in wintering plumage. Breeding plumage has black upper parts with striking white spots, black head and neck with purple and green gloss, and white chest and abdomen; non-breeding plumage is gray-brown. In all plumages, top part of culmen (ridge of upper mandible) is ...