Common Loon
Gavia immer · Loons
The Common Loon (Gavia immer) is a large, iconic waterbird of northern lakes, known for its striking breeding plumage and haunting calls. These powerful, agile divers are well-adapted to aquatic life, spending most of their time on water and coming ashore primarily for nesting. They are considered indicators of aquatic ecosystem health.
Explore the full field guideMigratory, large, vocal, pisciAquatic, diving, fish-eating, Diving, migratory, fish-eating
1 call·first heard Aug 30·last 42d ago
When it's heardpeak 5a · fall
5a12p9p
How to know it
- Black head and bill, white-and-black striped collar, and a boldly checkered black-and-white back. Red eyes are also characteristic.
- Plain gray on the back and head with a white throat and underparts. The bill fades from black to gray.
- Similar to non-breeding adults, with a pale scaly pattern on the back.
- Thick, pointed, and typically held horizontally.