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Common Loon

Gavia immer ORDER: GAVIIFORMES FAMILY: GAVIIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

Common Loon Photo

© Robert E. Peltz/CLO

The eerie yodel of the Common Loon is a symbol of the wild North. The territorial call of the male loon can be heard from lakes across Canada to the very northern United States.

Inside Birding
For complete information on this species, visit The Birds of North America Online.

Appearance

Ducklike
Ducklike

Adult Description

  • Large waterbird.
  • Long pointed bill.
  • Long body slopes to rear.
  • Sits low on water.

Immature Description

Juvenile similar to nonbreeding adult, but head more uniformly dark with more distinct edge between light underparts and dark upperparts. Back feathers edged with light, giving a scaled appearance. Bill paler, but still with dark upper edge.

Range Map Help

Common Loon Range Map
View dynamic map of eBird sightings

Similar Species

  • Cormorants have longer necks and blunt-tipped or slightly hooked bills and are not white on chest or throat.
  • Yellow-billed Loon has ivory-yellow bill with dark only at the base of the upper edge. In winter, neck is paler with dark ear patch.
  • Red-throated Loon has more slender bill usually held more upward, paler face in winter, and neck without pale collar.
  • Pacific Loon is smaller with even division between gray and white on side of neck, lacks pale collar. Lacks the Common Loon's white around the eye.