Common Loon
Gavia immer · Loons
The Common Loon's haunting wails and yodels echo across northern lakes, where it dives gracefully for fish. Its striking black and white plumage in summer gives way to a plainer gray in winter. Often seen alone or in pairs, it is a powerful swimmer and diver.
Migrant70-90 cmWailing songFish
1 call·first heard Aug 30·last 3h ago
When it's heardpeak 5a · summer
5a12p9p
How to know it
- Large, duck-like bird with a thick neck and dagger-like bill.
- Breeding adults have a black head, white-striped neck, and checkered back.
- Often seen low in the water, diving for extended periods.