If a boat, predator, or intruding loon is too close, a loon may call or perform a distraction display called a “penguin dance”—rearing up in the water with its wings either spread out or clasped against its body and rapidly paddling its feet. Loons performing this display are experiencing extreme stress, in some cases because humans are ...

The photos and descriptions below show what loons look like when they are relaxed, both on the water and on the nest. When a loon that you are watching displays these behaviors, you can continue to watch it with confidence that you are not too close.

Jul 6, 2016 · The common loon (Gavia immer), with its dramatic plumage and haunting cries, is a thrill to behold. They've also inspired a pretty awesome tradition up in Wisconsin. AMAZING FACTS

Jul 8, 2024 · Understanding the common behaviors of common loons can give you greater insight into their biology, and help you understand when the behaviors you are seeing are normal or signs of distress. Loons “peer” underwater to look for fish or to see what other loons are doing under the surface.

Common Loons are powerful, agile divers that catch small fish in fast underwater chases. They are less suited to land, and typically come ashore only to nest. On a North Woods lake in summer, loons stick out conspicuously as large, tuxedoed birds swimming about in the middle of the lake.

Common Loons are large, diving waterbirds with rounded heads and dagger-like bills. They have long bodies and short tails that are usually not visible. In flight, they look stretched out, with a long, flat body and long neck and bill. Their feet stick out beyond the tail (unlike ducks and cormorants), looking like wedges.

Feb 10, 2025 · In this guide, we’ll uncover 33 fun facts about the common loon that you may not know! The common loon can be identified by its summer breeding plumage, iridescent black head and neck, black-and-white checkered back, black bill, red eyes, two white necklaces, one bigger and one smaller.

Jan 21, 2025 · Of the world’s five loon species, I see the Common Loon (Gavia immer) the most. This isn’t surprising because, as its name suggests, it’s the most abundant loon in the ABA Area, with 13,500 territorial pairs in the U.S. and 243,000 in Canada.

Loons (North American English) or divers (British / Irish English) are a group of aquatic birds found in much of North America and northern Eurasia. All living species of loons are members of the genus Gavia, family Gaviidae and order Gaviiformes. Loons, which are the size of large ducks or small geese, resemble these birds in shape when swimming.

This loon is watching a possible threat while trying to appear inconspicuous. When loons feel threatened while on the nest, they will put their heads down. This position indicates the loon may flush from the nest and leave the eggs to overheat, chill or be taken by a predator. If you see a loon on a nest with its head down, please back away!