Loon

Gavia immer -Minocqua, Wisconsin, USA -swimming-8

File:Loons Swimming in Wood Lake BC on a Summer Morning.webm

Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata) - Summer plumage breeding adult2

Gavia arctica EM1B1934 (48009481846)

PacificLoon24

CommonLoon-1APR2017

Loon is a type of bird belonging to the family Gaviidae, known for its distinctive calls, striking plumage, and exceptional diving ability. Loons are aquatic birds and are most commonly found in the northern regions of North America and Eurasia, particularly in Canada, the northern United States, Greenland, and parts of Northern Europe and Asia. They are highly adapted to aquatic life, with their bodies streamlined for efficient swimming and diving. Loons are also known for their migratory patterns, often traveling long distances between their breeding and wintering grounds.

Description

Loons are medium to large birds, with a length ranging from 60 to 90 cm (24 to 35 inches) and a wingspan of up to 150 cm (59 inches). They have a distinctive black-and-white checkered pattern on their back during the breeding season, with a black head, bill, and neck, and red eyes. Their underparts are primarily white. One of the most notable features of loons is their pointed bill, which they use to catch fish, their primary diet. Loons are excellent divers, capable of diving to depths of up to 60 meters (200 feet) in search of prey.

Behavior

Loons are known for their haunting calls, which vary from wails to tremolos and yodels, each serving different communicative purposes, such as signaling distress, defending territory, or maintaining contact with their chicks or mate. They are most vocal during the breeding season. Loons are monogamous, often forming long-term pair bonds. Their nesting sites are usually located on isolated, vegetated areas near water bodies, where they lay a clutch of 1-2 eggs.

Conservation

The status of loon populations varies by species. Some species, like the Common Loon (Gavia immer), are considered to be of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), while others may face threats from habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. Efforts to conserve loon populations include monitoring programs, habitat protection, and research into the impacts of environmental changes on their breeding and feeding grounds.

Species

The family Gaviidae includes several species of loons, among them:

• Common Loon (Gavia immer) – Known for its striking black and white summer plumage and haunting calls, it is found across North America and parts of Eurasia.
• Arctic Loon (Gavia arctica) – Found in the Arctic regions, it is similar in appearance to the common loon but has a distinct gray head.
• Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata) – The smallest and most widespread loon, identifiable by its red throat patch during the breeding season.
• Pacific Loon (Gavia pacifica) – Primarily found in the northern Pacific Ocean, it has a gray head and neck with a black throat.

Cultural Significance

Loons hold a special place in the culture and folklore of many indigenous peoples of North America. They are often associated with tranquility, wilderness, and spiritual significance. The haunting calls of the loon are iconic in the soundscapes of northern lakes and have been immortalized in literature, music, and art.