Common Loon Photo Gallery
Breeding adult
Long-bodied waterbird with a hefty bill. Sits low in the water. Breeding birds have a black-and-white striped collar and a checkerboard back.
© Christian Hagenlocher / Macaulay LibraryVermont, June 23, 2020Nonbreeding adult/immature
Hefty daggerlike bill. Nonbreeding/immature birds often have a pale collar as seen on this bird—a spur of white extending on the dark neck.
© Marky Mutchler / Macaulay LibraryMissouri, November 10, 2020Breeding adult and juveniles
Feet are positioned far back on the body to aid in diving, but this makes walking on land very difficult. Nests are close to the water's edge on undisturbed freshwater lakes.
© Galatee Films / Macaulay LibraryJune 30, 2000Not all videos have soundNonbreeding adult/immature
In flight, has a bulky profile with large feet trailing behind.
© Brian Sullivan / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, November 24, 2016Immature
Winters along ocean coasts, usually fairly close to shore and in bays and estuaries.
© Martine Stolk / Macaulay LibraryNorth Carolina, January 31, 2019Breeding adult
Flies with steady, shallow wingbeats. Note narrow, pointed wings and long trailing feet.
© Timothy Barksdale / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, April 01, 1997Not all videos have soundBreeding adult
Large-bodied loon with a hefty bill and flat head. Breeding birds have a black-and-white striped collar and a checkerboard back.
© Jay McGowan / Macaulay LibraryNew York, April 25, 2020Molting adult
Nonbreeding birds are often brownish above and show a pale partial collar on the neck.
© Mike Cameron / Macaulay LibraryTexas, March 15, 2020Nonbreeding/immature
Feeds by diving; may dip head into water to look for prey while sitting on the surface. This video has no audio.
© Brian Sullivan / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, February 01, 2012Not all videos have soundBreeding adult and juvenile
Chicks accompany adults for several weeks and often ride on the back of an adult when very young.
© Julie Filiberti / Macaulay LibraryVermont, July 16, 2017Breeding adult
Breeds in freshwater lakes.
© Brian Collins / Macaulay LibraryWisconsin, June 20, 2017Breeding adult with juvenile
Young chicks often ride on the backs of adults.
© Galatee Films / Macaulay LibraryJune 30, 2000Not all videos have soundNonbreeding adult/immature
A bulky loon with a hefty bill and a rather flat head.
© Jay McGowan / Macaulay LibraryNew York, December 13, 2015Habitat
Breeds on clear lakes across Canada and the northern United States.
© Peter Hawrylyshyn / Macaulay LibraryBritish Columbia, June 21, 2015Species in This Family
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