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IORC Number
1985.041

Species/Form in Question
Arctic/Pacific Loon

Scientific Name
Gavia arctica/pacifica

Current Status of Record:
Rejected

Date of Initial Sighting:
1985-11-02

Date of Last Sighting:
1985-11-02

Quantity:
1

Age/Gender:

Observers(s)

Location
Crab Orchard Lake

Counties Observed in:
Williamson

References
1st IORC Report


Details
Two observers provided commendably detailed descriptions; however, both mention the gray scaly pattern of the back, indicating the bird was a juvenile, while failing to note the usually distinctively paler hind neck of juvenile Pacific and Arctic Loons. Moreover, both emphasize the presence of a white thigh patch, as one would expect in Arctic Loon but not in Pacific Loon. This fact and other contradictions led Committee members to reject both possibilities. Arctic Loon would be a most unlikely visitor to Illinois.
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