Which loon from Georgia (1 Viewer)

[tom baxter]

Found this photo on eBird and am wondering if the top bird could be a pacific loon. Thoughts? I am intrigued by the roundish head and suggestive bill.

 

[Kratter]

Both Red-throated Loons.
Andy

 

[RafaelMatias]

Both Red-throated Loons

Agreed

 

[tom baxter]

Both Red-throated Loons.
Andy

Not disagreeing, but how are you confident to rule out pacific? For the record I am not confident that this is a pacific loon but it looks interesting to me. Not liking the absence of a dark collar, which would clinch it. Looking to learn here because obviously probability is for rtlo. If it was just the bill or just the head shape, I would not even look twice but it’s both here for me. Round head suggestive bill. Could just be the photos. Honestly was hoping someone could tell me it’s a rtlo and explain how to know for sure.

 

[RafaelMatias]

Not disagreeing, but how are you confident to rule out pacific? For the record I am not confident that this is a pacific loon but it looks interesting to me. Not liking the absence of a dark collar, which would clinch it. Looking to learn here because obviously probability is for rtlo. If it was just the bill or just the head shape, I would not even look twice but it’s both here for me. Round head suggestive bill. Could just be the photos. Honestly was hoping someone could tell me it’s a rtlo and explain how to know for sure.

Lots of white to the neck sides and cheeks (and even right in front of the eye), upturned bill (lower mandible especially), shortish neck which is really not well rounded as in Pacific... the only pro Pacific feature would be the reduced/absent white to the flanks.

 

[Sangahyando]

Lots of white to the neck sides and cheeks (and even right in front of the eye), upturned bill (lower mandible especially), shortish neck which is really not well rounded as in Pacific... the only pro Pacific feature would be the reduced/absent white to the flanks.

I think he only meant the bird on the left in the upper picture. On that one, the upturned bill isn't very obvious, if it's upturned at all. Although of course, it looks quite similar to the Red-throated next to it otherwise.

 

[RafaelMatias]

I think he only meant the bird on the left in the upper picture. On that one, the upturned bill isn't very obvious, if it's upturned at all. Although of course, it looks quite similar to the Red-throated next to it otherwise.

Yep, my bad, sorry! The bill shape really isn't obvious on that individual, but the remaining distinguishing features still old.