Details
Gavia immer
The common loon is a diving waterbird that breeds on North American lakes. Diurnal pairs hold clear-water territories during summer.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
It breeds on large fish-bearing lakes and quiet freshwater, then uses coastal waters outside the breeding season. Clear water favors underwater hunting.
Wingspan is about 122-152 cm and weight about 1.6-8 kg. Breeding adults have a black head, checkered back, and straight dagger-like bill.
Active by day, pairs defend lake territories and keep contact with carrying calls. Legs set far back make it powerful underwater but awkward on land.
It is carnivorous, feeding mainly on fish caught by diving. It propels itself with its feet and seizes prey with the bill.
Nests are low and close to the water. Chicks swim early and may ride on a parent's back while still being fed.
Its status is listed as Least Concern. Water quality, fishing gear, and lakeshore disturbance can affect breeding locally.
