Overview
A common loon’s iconic wail provides the summer soundtrack to northern waters. Their striking black and white breeding plumage and impressive ability to dive for fish captivate all who are lucky enough to spot them.
Scientific Name
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Characteristics
Physical Characteristics
Over the years, researchers have learned a lot about how common loons communicate with each other and even with people. Loons have four types of calls: yodels, hoots, tremolos and wails. All of these vocalizations have different purposes. Yodels are unique to any given male and are specific to their territory. In fact, he’ll change his yodel if he moves to a new territory! Hoots are more subdued and are ways for loons to communicate with their young or their mate. Tremolos are alarm calls that loons make when they want to send out an alert or want to make it clear that they are on a lake. When encountering loons on the water, hearing their wavering tremolo is a clear signal you are too close. Finally, the wail is that classic, haunting “call and repeat” that mates send and receive when they are trying to figure out each other's location.
The common loon's striking breeding plumage consists of a black head and bill, black-and-white spotted back and white breast.
From September to March, adults are plain gray on the back and head with a white throat. The bill fades from black to gray. Juveniles look similar.
Common loons are long-bodied waterbirds with thick, sharp bills.
Length: 26.0 to 35.8 in (66 to 91 cm)
Weight: 5.5 to 13.4 lbs (2500 to 6100 g)
Wingspan: 40.9 to 51.6 in (104 to 131 cm)
Food
Common loons are powerful, agile divers that dart underwater to catch small fish. Sharp, rear-pointing projections on the roof of their mouths help them hold on to slippery prey. If fish aren't available they'll also eat aquatic insect larvae, crustaceans, leeches or snails.
Geography
Common loons can be spotted across much of the United States during migration. In the summer, they're found on northern lakes across Alaska, most of Canada and parts of the northern lower 48 states. In the winter, they spend time on waters along ocean shores.