Skip to content
Henry Sowell

Vol. I · Est. 2026

Pl. CLXXVIII
Field-journal plate: Common Loon
The Common Loon plate as rendered on the e-ink frame
As rendered on the frame

The Birds · Plate CLXXVIII

Common Loon

Gavia immer

Gaviidae · Taxon 4626

Length70–90 cm (27.56–35.43 in)
WingspanAverage 152 cm (59.84 in)
Weight1.6–8.0 kg (56.39–281.94 oz)

Field marks

  1. Broad black head and neck with a subtle greenish sheen in breeding plumage
  2. Bright red eye
  3. Heavy, straight, dagger-shaped black bill
  4. Bold black-and-white striped neck collar
  5. Black upperparts and folded wings patterned with white checks and spots
  6. Long body riding low in the water, with the short tail usually inconspicuous

HabitatBreeds on clear freshwater lakes and large ponds, especially waters with abundant small fish, sheltered shorelines, and enough open surface for takeoff. During migration and the nonbreeding season it uses large lakes, slow rivers, reservoirs, bays, estuaries, and shallow coastal waters.

BehaviorA powerful, foot-propelled diver that pursues fish by sight and usually swallows small prey underwater. It swims low on the surface, is awkward on land because its legs sit far back, defends breeding territories with calls and displays, and migrates by day.

Palette

jet blackclean whiteslate grayiridescent greenruby red