Common Loon: a two-minute wildlife lesson

Ducks, Geese and Grebes · day 1 of 7

Five facts

1. Within hours of hatching, loon chicks leave the nest and swim close by, sometimes riding on a parent's back.
2. A common loon normally dives 4 to 10 m, but has been recorded diving up to 70 m.
3. Unlike most flying birds, the common loon has solid bones. They add weight but help in diving.
4. During migration, a common loon can fly as fast as 120 km/h.
5. The yodel is a long, complex loon call made only by the male.

The quiz

1. Where do loon chicks sometimes ride?

• Under a parent's wing
• In a parent's beak
• Clinging to a parent's tail
• On a parent's back (correct)

Chicks sometimes ride on one parent's back.

2. How deep has a common loon been recorded diving?

• Up to 7 m
• Up to 70 m (correct)
• Up to 17 m
• Up to 700 m

It normally dives 4 to 10 m but has been recorded diving up to 70 m.

3. What is unusual about the loon's bones?

• They are solid (correct)
• They are hollow and air-filled
• They are as thin as paper
• They are made of cartilage

Solid bones add weight but help in diving.

4. How fast can a common loon fly during migration?

• As much as 20 km/h
• As much as 60 km/h
• As much as 120 km/h (correct)
• As much as 300 km/h

On migration it can reach speeds of up to 120 km/h.

5. Who makes the yodel call?

• Only the female
• Only the male (correct)
• Only the chicks
• Both parents equally

The yodel is made only by the male.

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