Yellow-billed Loon (Gavia adamsii), Colorado River, Parker, AZ, Mohave County

This Yellow-billed Loon was discovered by David Vander Plyum, Lauren Harter, Andrew and Vernon Howe, Sandy Koonce, Sandy Remley, and Bob and Susan Steele on 15 January 2011 and it was photographed by Sandy Remley on 15 January 2011 and by John West on 19 January 2011.

There are six previously accepted records for Arizona, four of those in the Lower Colorado River Valley.

On this bird, the size, shape and color of the bill are diagnostic for Yellow-billed Loon. Note especially the lack of a dark line on the culmen. On Common Loon in this plumage there is almost always a dark line across the culmen extending almost to the tip of the bill. This bird also has the characteristic pale head and neck of a Yellow-billed and when in relaxed swimming posture holds the bill at an uptilted angle. In some poses there is a sharp peak in the crown, a feature that is probably more prominent in males.  The post auricular spot on this bird is very faint and only visible at certain angles. The pale edges of the back feathers are characteristic of first winter plumage. 

15 January 2011, photo by Sandy Remley

19 January 2011, photos by John West

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