Common Loon —Ross Feldner

Here’s our second entry in great bird vocalists for March.

This icon of northern lakes is well known for its eerie call. This weird, haunting cry which suggests someone with the wails of the insane. Hence the common phrase, crazy as a loon.

These birds are skilled at swimming and diving and unlike the vast majority of birds they have solid, not hollow bones, which makes them less buoyant and helps them maneuver through water. Their legs are set far back on their bodies which also aids their swimming, but makes them very awkward on land. Loons spend little time out of the water, usually only going ashore to nest.

Common Loons eat primarily fish, which they consume underwater. They are monogamous, keeping the same partner for life. Both male and female build the nest in a sheltered place along the shore, or on an island that they can swim to and from without alerting predators.

Common Loon
Fun Facts

Common Loons have four different calls, each one has a different purpose.

The Common Loon can stay underwater for up to five minutes!

Their piercing red eyes help them find prey underwater.

Skilled flyers, they can reach speeds of 70 mph but need a long “runway.”

They can only take off from water.

Common Loons have a life span of up to 30 years.

They are very sensitive to pollution and human disturbance making them excellent indicators of water quality as they require crystal-clear lakes.

Common Loons have sharp teeth in the tops of their mouths to hold on to slippery prey.

Click here to watch Common Loon and baby chick piggy back fun!

Click here to listen to their haunting cries.

 

Rachel Carson Council
8600 Irvington Avenue  | Bethesda, Maryland 20817-3604
(301) 214-2400 | office@rachelcarsoncouncil.org

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