See Also: Loon(medicine)
loon(1)(dictionary)
loon(2)(dictionary)
loon(3)(dictionary)
loon(4)(dictionary)
loon(encyclopedia)
loon(dictionary)

loon (sh)




or diver

Any of four species (genus Gavia) of diving birds of North America and Eurasia.

Loons range in length from 2 to 3 ft (60-90 cm). They have small pointed wings, webs between the front three toes, legs placed far back on the body, making walking awkward, and thick plumage that is mainly black or gray above and white below. They feed mainly on fishes, crustaceans, and insects. Almost wholly aquatic, they can swim long distances underwater and can dive to a depth of 200 ft (60 m). They are generally found singly or in pairs, but some species winter or migrate in flocks. They are known for their eerie, "laughing" cries.


Common loon, or great northern diver (Gavia immer)

Wayne Lankinen
Bruce Coleman Ltd.