Common LoonsGavia immer
 
Loons are water birds. They look like large ducks but belong to a different family. Loons have longer bodies and pointed bills. They have webbed feet (like ducks) but their feet are placed far back on their bodies making them excellent swimmers and divers.
There are five species of loons: The Red-throated Loon, Pacific Loon, Arctic Loon, Yellow-billed Loon and the Common Loon.
Physical Characters
Summer Coat : Black and white "checkered" back and wings, black head, white belly and white under wings, white "necklace" (band) around the throat.
Winter Coat : Dark gray head and neck, grayish feathers with white spots young birds have grayish feathers, white belly and white under wings.
Body : Loons is having large, pointed, black bill with red eyes. Average weight is 4.1 kg which can vary from 2.7 to 6.3 kg and having length 80 cm i.e almost a meter from bill to tip of outstretched feet. Loons wingspan is about 1.2 meters.
Habitat
Nests on freshwater lakes and rivers. Prefers lakes with islands. Winters mainly on coastal bays and inlets.
Diet
Loons commnly eat medium-sized fish, also crustaceans, amphibians, and mollusks and occasionally aquatic plants.
Behavior and Habits
The Common Loon rarely comes onto land except during mating and the nesting period. Its legs are placed far back on its body, making this bird a powerful swimmer but very awkward on land. Due its heavy body, the loon is unable to fly directly from land. Instead, it flaps its wings and runs along the surface of the water until it gains enough speed to take off.
Unlike most other birds, loons have solid bones - which increases their weight and plays a part in their excellent diving ability. They have been known to dive up to 200 feet below the surface.
The Common Loon is well known for its hauntingly beautiful voice. There are four main calls: a wail that is similar to the howl of a coyote, an undulating yodel, a soft hooting call, and a tremulous alarm call.
In the early fall, Common Loons begin migrating to their winter grounds. They fly during the daytime - either singly or in groups. They spend the winter along the Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf coasts, and can be found as far south as Mexico.
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