Gavia immer
The Common Loon, or Great Northern Diver as it's known in Eurasia, is a large, distinctive waterbird renowned for its haunting calls and superb diving abilities. Adults in breeding plumage exhibit a striking black head and neck, a white-and-black striped collar, and a checkered black-and-white back, transitioning to a pure white belly. Measuring 61-100 cm (24-39 in) in length with a wingspan of 106-152 cm (42-60 in) and weighing 2.2-7.6 kg (4.9-16.8 lbs), they are among the largest loon speci...
Primarily large, clear, deep freshwater lakes with islands or secluded coves for breeding; coastal marine waters and large inland bays during winter.
Their diet consists predominantly of fish, including perch, sunfish, minnows, suckers, and trout, which they capture by diving and pursuing underwater. They will also consume crustaceans, insects, leeches, frogs, and other aquatic invertebrates.
Common Loons are largely diurnal, spending the majority of their time on the water's surface, constantly scanning for prey or potential threats, and frequently preening. They are expert pursuit divers, propelling themselves with powerful strokes of their large webbed feet to catch fish underwater...
The Common Loon has a broad breeding range across northern North America, extending from Alaska and much of Canada south into the northern United States, including states like Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. During the non-breeding season, they migrate...
Least Concern
- The Common Loon is an ancient bird, with fossil evidence suggesting their lineage dates back 40-60 million years. - Unlike most birds, loons have nearly solid bones, making them less buoyant and better adapted for deep dives. - They can dive to depths exceeding 200 feet and stay submerged for s...