Bird
Common Loon
Gavia immerAlso known as Great Northern Diver
Common Loons are large diving birds with dagger-like bills and bodies set low in the water. Breeding adults show a black head, checkered back, and white necklace, while winter birds are plainer gray and white.
diving birdlakefish hunter
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyFish, crayfish, aquatic insects
Predators
- bald eagles
- large gulls
- raccoons
ThreatsLead fishing tackle, shoreline disturbance, entanglement, water pollution, and fluctuating lake levels
HabitatsClear northern lakes for breeding and coastal marine waters during winter
Life spanFrequently twenty years or more, with some marked birds approaching thirty years
Classification
- OrderGaviiformes
- FamilyGaviidae
- GenusGavia
- SpeciesGavia immer
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Keep boats far from loons, nests, and chicks riding on adult backs.
Responsible observation
- Listen: Tremolos and long yodeling calls carry across quiet breeding lakes.
- Watch: Maintain no-wake speed and use binoculars instead of approaching.
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