Gavia immer

Description

The Common Loon is a large, long bird with a heavy, knifelike bill. The adult breeding bird has a white checkered pattern on the back, black head and bill, and a white striped partial collar around the neck.

Voice

This bird has a low wailing cry or yodel.

Breeding

March to October

Habitat

Common loons live on woodland lakes and ponds.

Diet

These birds like to eat fish.

Range

You can find common loons in Canada and the Northern United States (including VT an NH) during the summer. In the wintertime, they live on the coast and in the Southeastern United States.

Other Useful Information

These waterbirds usually like to be alone, but they form flocks in winter and during migration.

Similar Species

The common loon looks a lot like the yellow-billed loon, but you won't confuse the two birds, because the yellow-billed loon is not found in VT or NH.