Common Loon
Gavia immer
Least Concern
The Common Loon is famous for its haunting, beautiful calls that echo across northern lakes. With striking black and white checkered patterns and red eyes, they're expert divers who chase fish underwater.
Loons can dive over 200 feet deep and stay underwater for several minutes! Their bones are solid (not hollow like most birds), helping them dive but making takeoff difficult - they need a long runway on the water.
Size
About the size of a large duck
Large (40-60 cm)
Wingspan: 140 cm
Weight: 4500 g
Colors
black
white
red
Habitat
wetland
Diet
fish
Fun Facts
- ✨Their haunting calls inspired horror movie soundtracks!
- ✨Loons can dive over 200 feet deep and hold their breath for 5 minutes.
- ✨They can't walk well on land - their legs are too far back!
- ✨The loon is on the Canadian one-dollar coin (called a 'loonie').
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Great news! This bird is doing well. There are lots of them in the wild, and they have safe places to live and find food.
Population trend: stable ➡️