Common Loon
NameCommon Loon
Common NameCommon Loon
Scientific NameGavia immer
FamilyGaviidae
Wingspan (cm)137
Length (cm)80
Weight (g)4400
Plumage DetailsAdult breeding plumage features a glossy black head and neck, bright red eyes, a distinctive white-striped 'necklace' on the throat, and a checkered black and white back. The belly is white, and the bill is dark gray.
Vocalization / CallKnown for a variety of distinctive calls including a mournful wail, a yodel (often given by males), a tremolo (a laughing-like call), and a hoot, which are integral to its identity on northern lakes.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatsfreshwater lakes, ponds, rivers, coastal marine waters
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across Canada and the northern United States, including Alaska, and parts of Greenland and Iceland. Winters along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of North America, and occasionally in western Europe.
Identifying Featuresglossy black head and neck, bright red eyes, white-striped 'necklace', checkered black and white back, large, dagger-like bill, distinctive calls (wail, yodel, tremolo), low-slung profile on water
Description
The Common Loon is a large, diving waterbird known for its striking black and white breeding plumage and haunting calls. It spends most of its life on water, expertly diving to catch fish and often carrying its young on its back.
