This is an adult in full breeding plumage. This species is a common migrant and winter visitor along the Pacific Coast. It is usually seen in marine environments where it favors deep water. This individual was apparently lost, spending several weeks in a golf course pond where it offered unusual opportunities for close-up photography. Compared to the similar Arctic Loon, Pacific Loon differs in its slightly smaller size, more rounded head, thinner bill, purple-glossed throat, narrower white stripes on neck sides, paler crown and lack of a white flank patch.