Common Loon Photo Gallery

Long-bodied waterbird with a hefty bill. Sits low in the water. Breeding birds have a black-and-white striped collar and a checkerboard back.

Hefty daggerlike bill. Nonbreeding/immature birds often have a pale collar as seen on this bird—a spur of white extending on the dark neck.

A large, heavy-billed waterbird with striking black-and-white breeding plumage. Young chicks often ride on the back of adults.

In flight, has a bulky profile with large feet trailing behind.

Winters along ocean coasts, usually fairly close to shore and in bays and estuaries.

Breeding adult has a black head and bill, a black-and-white spotted back, and a white breast.

Large-bodied loon with a hefty bill and flat head. Breeding birds have a black-and-white striped collar and a checkerboard back.

Nonbreeding birds are often brownish above and show a pale partial collar on the neck.

Feeds by diving; may dip head into water to look for prey while sitting on the surface. This video has no audio.

Chicks accompany adults for several weeks and often ride on the back of an adult when very young.

Breeds in freshwater lakes.

Flies with steady, shallow wingbeats. Note narrow, pointed wings and long trailing feet.

A bulky loon with a hefty bill and a rather flat head.

Breeds on clear lakes across Canada and the northern United States.