Common Loon

Species Facts

Conservation Status: IUCN  Least Concern

Description: A large diving bird with a thick bill. Breeding adults have a striking black head, a striped collar around the neck, and black upper plumage with white spots. Juveniles and wintering birds appear much plainer with a white throat and belly and dark plumage above.

Play Common Loon call:

Where to find them: Common Loons migrate across North America and spend the breeding season in Canada and parts of the northern United States. They can also be found along the coasts of Canada, the United States, and Mexico, and parts of Western Europe where they are commonly called divers rather than loons. 

Fun Facts:

• Loon chicks ride on their parent’s backs
•  Unlike other birds, loons have solid bones which help them dive more effectively.
• Common Loons are some of the more challenging patients we work with due to their size and strength.

Threats: Oil spills and other contaminants, harmful algal blooms, habitat loss

How YOU can Help: Keep wild places clean. Especially keep an eye out for discarded fishing gear and make sure it gets disposed of properly.