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Common Loon | Daily Animal Facts

Animal profile

Common Loon

Gavia immer

AvesFreshwater lakes for breeding; coastal marine waters and large ice-free lakes in winterLeast Concern

Field profile

The common loon is a large diving waterbird known for its haunting wailing calls and striking black-and-white breeding plumage. It is a specialist pursuit diver, catching fish underwater rather than from the air, and its body is built for submersion rather than flight efficiency.

Scope note

This is an editorial profile, not a diagnostic field-identification guide or a substitute for current conservation assessments. Follow the cited sources on each fact for the evidence trail.

Published field notes

2026-09-28

Common Loon

Loons have solid bones built for sinking

Most flying birds carry air-filled bones to stay light. The common loon does the opposite, packing dense, largely solid bones that trade lift for the ability to dive tens of metres after fish.

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