Creature Feature Encyclopedia: Aves

Common Loon Gavia immer Size: 28-36" (71-91 cm) Diving Depth: to 200 feet Habitat: forested lakes; oceans and bays in winter

Crazy as a Loon

The Common Loon is one of three species of loons found in North America. Most other birds have hollow bones to help them float or fly. But loons' bones are solid, causing them to ride very low in the water, and helping to dive deep like submarines. Loons have eerie calls that sound more like howling wolves than water birds. The echoes of the chilling calls make the northern lakes seem larger and lonelier.

~Salamander Rain: A Lake and Pond Journal © 2001