Common Loon (Gavia immer) lives in boreal freshwater lake across Northern North America. It feeds on fish and crustaceans. Its conservation status is Least Concern.
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A real field recording of the Common Loon, made in the wild.
Common loons can dive deeper than a five-storey building, reaching 60 m (200 ft) and once recorded at 70 m (230 ft). Their average dive lasts 42 seconds, but they can stay underwater for up to a minute, letting them chase fast fish in clear lakes. This extreme depth shows how their solid-bone skeleton and powerful hind legs turn them into underwater torpedoes, a key adaptation for hunting in the northern lakes.
Loons lay only one or two eggs per year, each incubated for about 28 days by both parents, and the chicks fledge after 70-77 days. Despite this short breeding window, the young can dive within days of hatching and are flight-ready by two to three months, allowing them to migrate before winter ice forms.
During migration loons fly by day, taking off about two hours after sunrise and cruising at 1500-2700 m altitude, above the turbulent air layer. This high-altitude route links breeding lakes in Canada and Alaska to winter coasts as far south as Baja California and Texas.
Genomic analysis revealed that 80.7 % of chicken genes are present in the common loon, reflecting a shared ancestry dating back 90 million years. Genes linked to haemoglobin affinity, ion balance and low-light vision show positive selection, likely driven by the demands of deep diving. These genetic tweaks explain how loons maintain oxygen supply while submerged and locate prey in the dim, clear waters of their northern lakes.
A breeding adult can weigh up to 7.6 kg (16.8 lb) and measure 91 cm (36 in) long. Males are up to 27 % heavier than females, with Maine females averaging 4.65 kg (10.3 lb) and males 5.97 kg (13.2 lb).
Sources
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In the stillness of a northern lake, the Common Loon glides effortlessly, its sleek, black form slicing through the water with a silent elegance, as if propelled by an unseen force. With each powerful stroke of its wings, it leaves behind a trail of rippling waves, a testament to its mastery of this aquatic realm. As it dives to great depths in search of fish, its haunting, wailing call echoes across the water, a primal sound that resonates deep within the soul.
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