Four kinds of water birds are known as loons in North America and divers in Britain. They are probably best known for the wide variety of calls they can make. Loons can “laugh,” “yodel,” “wail,” and “hoot.” They are almost unable to walk on land, but they can swim long distances underwater.

Where loons live

Loons are northern birds. The Arctic loon (also called the black-throated diver) and the red-throated loon are seen in the northern parts of North America, Europe, and Asia. The common loon (also called the great northern diver) is usually found in North America from Alaska to the northern part of the mainland United States. This loon appears on Canada's one-dollar coin and is the state bird of Minnesota. The white-billed diver (also called the yellow-billed diver) is seen most often in the Arctic regions of Europe and Asia.

Loons live near freshwater lakes and ponds during the summer. For the winter they migrate southward to warmer coastal areas. The common loon winters as far south as Florida and the U.S. Gulf Coast. Although the birds are often found alone or in pairs during much of the year, they may gather in flocks for their winter trip.

Physical features

Loons have stout bodies, pointed bills, and webbed feet. The smallest loon is the red-throated, which weighs about 4 ¹/₄ pounds (1.9 kilograms) and is 24–27 inches (61–69 centimeters) long. The largest is the white-billed, which weighs 14 pounds (6.4 kilograms) and is 30–36 inches (76–91 centimeters) long. Loons have thick feathers, which are mainly black, brown, or gray on the upper body and white below. During the summer breeding season, white patterns may develop on the feathers. Males and females tend to look alike, but males are usually a bit larger.

Behavior

Except for penguins, no birds are better divers than the loons. They can stay underwater for three minutes or more, reaching depths as great as 200 feet (60 meters). They can cover distances up to half a mile (0.8 kilometer) underwater. They put these skills to good use in catching fish, crustaceans, and other small water creatures.

Loons are strong fliers, but their heavy bones, made for diving, complicate the process of takeoff. Most loons have to build up speed by running along the surface of the water. On land, loons have no way to move efficiently. Their webbed feet are set too far back on the body.

Loons use their various calls to frighten or warn off invaders of their territory or to locate or greet a mate. For many people, the voice of the loon is haunting and symbolizes the northern wilderness.

Life cycle

Loons are active parents. In spring, the male and the female build the nest together, usually along the shore of a lake. They warn other loons away from their territory with loud calls. The two birds take turns warming the two or three olive-brown eggs until they hatch in about a month. The newly hatched chicks take to the water almost immediately. Both parents feed the young during the first few weeks of life and carry them on their backs through the water.

Survival issues

Loons on the seashore are sometimes harmed by oil spills. Loons on lakes may be hurt by pollution, people building along the shore, and boats that wash away nests. Some loons are poisoned by the lead weights used in fishing.