Is there a bird called loon?
Loon, (order Gaviiformes), also called diver, any of five species of diving birds constituting the genus Gavia, family Gaviidae.
What is a loon bird?
Loons (North America) or divers (United Kingdom / Ireland) are a group of aquatic birds found in many parts of North America and northern Eurasia. All living species of loons are members of the genus Gavia, family Gaviidae and order Gaviiformes /ˈɡævi. ɪfɔːrmiːz/.
What other bird looks like a loon?
Double-crested Cormorant
Another diving, fish-eating bird that is sometimes mistaken for a loon is the Double-crested Cormorant. Characteristics that help to differentiate between Double-crested Cormorants and Common Loons include: Body and head shape: Double-crested Cormorants have slender bodies with a long neck.
Where can I find a common loon bird?
The common loon is found in parts of Canada, Alaska, Greenland, Iceland and Scotland, but common loon have recently been found in other watery parts across Europe and North America. The common loon, like all divers, is a specialist fish-eater, as the common loon catches its prey underwater.
Why is the common loon called a loon?
The common loon call is used to find a mate or declare a nesting site. The feet of a common loon are set further back on its body than other water birds. This makes them excellent swimmers and divers. However, it looks awkward whenever it walks on land. That silly-looking walk is believed to be why it earned the name “loon.”
What kind of voice does a loon have?
Loons are generally found singly or in pairs, but some species, especially the Arctic loon, or black-throated diver ( G. arctica ), winter or migrate in flocks. The voice is distinctive, including guttural sounds and the mournful, eerie wailing cries that in North America may have given rise to the common name loon.
How big is a loon in feet and inches?
Learn More in these related Britannica articles: bird: Annotated classification. Gaviiformes (loons) 5 species in 1 family of the Northern Hemisphere; foot-propelled diving birds with webbed feet and pointed bills; length 53–91 cm (21–36 inches).
Which bird is also called a loon?
Loon, (order Gaviiformes), also called diver, any of five species of diving birds constituting the genus Gavia, family Gaviidae. Loons were formerly included, along with the grebes, to which they bear a superficial resemblance, in the order Colymbiformes, but they are considered to constitute their own separate order.
What does a loon sound like?
Sounds: The common loon has four calls. The tremolo, which sounds a bit like maniacal laughter, is an aggressive call. The wail is a long, drawn-out sound. The hoot, a shorter call, is used to communicate among parents and young.
How long do loons live?
North European loons migrate primarily via the South Baltic and directly over land to the Black Sea or Mediterranean. Loons can live as long as 30 years and can hold their breath for as long as 90 seconds while underwater.
Do loons have feet?
Loons are excellent swimmers, using their feet to propel themselves above and under water. However, since their feet are located posteriorly on the body, loons have difficulty walking on land. Thus, loons avoid coming to land, except when nesting or severely injured.
