Bird Description

Widespread and common. Breeds on large tree-lined lakes. Its famed, almost mystical, yodeling call travels long distances. Calls night or day, but also away from breeding grounds. Winters on large bodies of water, many moving to the ocean and back bays. ID: Large and cumbersome on land. Has large stout variably colored bill, protruding forehead (head can be rounded) and thick neck. Juv as adult but scaly-backed. Bulging dark neck sides. 1st-s, often in nonbr plumage, usually worn and faded (often misidentified as PALO). Birds on spring migration range from nonbr to breeding with many intermediate. In flight, focus on size, structure, head and neck pattern, and particularly large protruding feet.