LOONS 
39 
fishing, and there are many out-door recreation centres to which loons 
give a desirable touch of native wildness. The requirements of those people 
for the enjoyment of such places are as worthy of recognition as those of 
fishing enthusiasts and should be carefully considered. 
General destruction of loons, as has been, and is being, constantly 
advocated, is like stopping a small crack in the barrel while the bung-hole 
remains open. Fish were once plentiful in spite of the loons and if today 
proper fishing regulations were enforced and the purity of the waters pre- 
served the number of small fry taken normally by loons would rarely be 
missed. In specific and special cases some control may be advisable. 
On some of the small lakes loons have an effect on other bird life. 
They are impatient of too-close neighbours and are quite likely to drive 
away nesting ducks, coots, and similar water-birds. They make their 
attack from under water and harry the objects of their jealousy until they 
vacate the premises and leave the loon in sole possession. However, as 
most waters that loons choose for a home are not particularly attractive 
to other water-birds, this trait can generally be looked upon with curious 
interest rather than animosity by the bird lover or sportsman. 
Economic Status. Although the loon is a large bird its small gullet 
limits the size of the fish it takes. This, together with the small number 
of birds on the small lakes and the large number of fish in the large lakes, 
makes its depredation economically unimportant. The species, therefore, 
should not be destroyed. 
8. Yellow-billed Loon, le i-iuart a bec blanc. Gavia adamsi. L, 36. In general 
this is a big Common Loon with bill ivory-yellow instead of black. 
Figure 73 
Bill outline of Yellow-billed Loon; 
scale, J. 
Distinctions. In full plumage easily known from the Common Loon by its size and 
yellow bill. The reflections on the throat are purple instead of green. In submaturity, 
when size is not a reliable specific guide, the bill shape offers the best distinction. In the 
Yellow-billed the culmen line is almost straight, whereas in the Common Loon it is slightly 
arched (Figure 73, compare with Figure 72). This will probably distinguish all specimens 
except those distinctly immature. 
From the Arctic or the Red-throated Loons size is sufficient distinction. 
Field Marks. Large size and conspicuous yellowish white bill are said to make excel- 
lent field marks for the adult. 
Nesting. Practically unknown, but probably similar to that of other Loons. 
Distribution. The northwest Arctic coast and the great lakes of Mackenzie, probably 
nesting on the ponds of the tundras where no one goes in summer. 
The migrations and breeding range of the Yellow-billed Loon are 
among our unsolved ornithological problems. It evidently winters in some 
numbers, at least occasionally, on the south Alaskan coast, but we have no 
British Columbia records. It should be looked for there with care, and 
identified with caution. 
