Field Marks: 32 in. A large widespread water bird, generally seen paddling about on northern lakes during breeding season, and on bays, estuaries, and open ocean in winter. Well known for its loud laughing call, often given at night. An excellent swimmer and diver, but awkward ashore; must patter across water surface to take off. Breeding adults marked with bold contrasting pattern of black and white: head and neck smooth, velvety black, with black and white necklace; upperparts heavily checkered; underparts white. Bill black, long, daggerlike. Winter birds blackish above, white below, with pale bill. Immatures similar to winter birds. Call is a loud, yodeling laugh, heard on breeding grounds and during migration.
Range: Breeds from n. Alaska and n. Canada south to Washington, Great Lakes region, New York, and New England. Winters along both coasts and on Great Lakes.