The official name for the common loon found in Canada is the Common Loon (Gavia immer). It is a large diving bird that breeds primarily in forested lakes in Canada and the northern United States. The Common Loon is known for its striking black and white plumage and its haunting, wavering calls.
Some quick facts about the Canadian loon:
– Scientific name: Gavia immer
– Other common names: Great Northern Loon, Great Northern Diver
– Size: Length of 71–90 cm (28–36 in); Wingspan of 127–170 cm (50–67 in)
– Identifying features: Checkerboard black and white plumage; red eyes; straight, dagger-like bill
– Habitat: Lakes, rivers, coastlines across Canada and northern U.S.
– Diet: Fish, aquatic invertebrates, amphibians
– Distinctive calls: Yodeling calls, wailing cries, and tremolo calls
The Common Loon is a beloved symbol of the Canadian wilderness and appears on the Canadian $1 coin, also known as the “loonie”. Its unique calls echo across many lakes and rivers of Canada during the summer breeding season.
Naming and Taxonomy
The Common Loon’s scientific name is Gavia immer. Gavia is the Latin generic name for loons and immer refers to the bird’s diving abilities. It is one of five living species of loons in the genus Gavia, family Gaviidae, order Gaviiformes.
Some key facts about the loon’s scientific classification:
– Kingdom: Animalia
– Phylum: Chordata
– Class: Aves
– Order: Gaviiformes
– Family: Gaviidae
– Genus: Gavia
– Species: G. immer
The Common Loon was first scientifically described by the Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus in 1758 in the 10th edition of his Systema Naturae. He gave it the binomial name Colymbus immer. Binomial nomenclature uses two Latin or Greek words to identify a species with the first word denoting the genus and the second denoting the species.
Over the years, the loon has been reclassified into different genera including Urinator and Colymbus before being placed in its current genus Gavia. Evolutionary studies indicate loons are most closely related to grebes and shorebirds. There are five extant species of loons worldwide.
Common Loon Subspecies
There are three recognized subspecies of the Common Loon:
– G. i. immer – Found across most of the loon’s range in North America
– G. i. arctica – A smaller subspecies found in northwestern parts of the range
– G. i. albiventris – A white-bellied subspecies found only in Iceland
These subspecies vary slightly in size, proportions and plumage features. The nominate G. i. immer is the most widespread and well-known subspecies in Canada.
Physical Description
The Common Loon is a large diving bird with a long body and short tail. Some key physical features:
Size
The Common Loon is 71–90 cm (28–36 in) in length with a 127–170 cm (50–67 in) wingspan. It weighs from 2.7-6.3 kg (6-14 lb). Males tend to be larger than females.
Plumage
Adult loons have striking black and white checkerboard plumage on their backs and wings in the summer. The head and neck are iridescent black with a black and white striped throat. The belly is white. The plumage is molted to gray and white in the winter.
Bill
The Common Loon has a straight, dagger-like bill that is blackish-brown and ideal for spearing fish.
Eyes
Loons have bright red eyes.
Legs
The legs are set far back on the body for aquatic mobility. Feet are fully webbed for swimming underwater. Legs vary from pale gray to bluish-gray.
Distinctive Markings
Breeding adult loons have distinctive markings like the black and white stripes around the neck and white spots on the back. Juveniles have brownish-gray plumage with white speckling on the back.
Range and Distribution in Canada
The Common Loon has a wide distribution across Canada:
| Province/Territory | Breeding Range |
| British Columbia | Throughout province except southwest corner |
| Alberta | Northern half of province |
| Saskatchewan | North and central regions |
| Manitoba | Widespread north of the prairies |
| Ontario | Throughout province |
| Quebec | Throughout province except northernmost areas |
| New Brunswick | Rare breeding |
| Nova Scotia | Rare breeding |
| Prince Edward Island | No breeding records |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | No breeding records |
| Yukon | Sporadic breeding |
| Northwest Territories | Widespread breeding |
| Nunavut | Widespread breeding |
The Common Loon breeds primarily in forested lakes and large rivers across the boreal forest region of Canada. The highest breeding densities occur in northwest Ontario, northern Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta.
Loons migrate from inland breeding sites to more coastal wintering areas on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, the Great Lakes, and large inland lakes. Many overwinter along the southern Canadian coastlines.
Key Breeding Habitat
Preferred breeding habitat consists of clear, fish-bearing lakes with islands and bays to provide shelter for nests. Emergent vegetation like lilypads offer nesting material. Low exposure to wind and waves is ideal. Low pH, low productivity lakes are typically avoided.
Population in Canada
According to the North American Breeding Bird Survey, the Canadian breeding population is estimated at 450,000 to 1.1 million pairs. The species is still common and widespread throughout its breeding range in Canada.
Migration Patterns
The Common Loon is a migratory bird in Canada. Key facts about its migration:
– Northern breeders migrate south to the coasts and large inland lakes for winter.
– Spring migration to breeding lakes occurs between late March and late May.
– Fall migration begins in September/October after chicks can fly.
– Loons migrate singly or in small flocks at night.
– Migration routes follow coastlines and major river valleys.
– Some loons overwinter in the Great Lakes or on the BC coast.
– Juveniles may spend a few years in wintering areas before returning north to breed.
– Adults return to the same breeding territory each spring.
Migrating loons can travel 4000-5000 km between breeding and wintering areas. Their migration seems to be influenced by changes in availability of ice-free habitat.
Winter Range
In winter, the Common Loon ranges along both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts from Alaska to Mexico and New England to Florida. It can also be found on large inland lakes and reservoirs. Peak numbers occur through the northern U.S. states.
Diet and Feeding
The Common Loon is strictly carnivorous, feeding on fish, aquatic invertebrates, amphibians and occasionally small rodents. Diet consists of:
– Fish – Main prey item, especially small trout, char, pike, perch and bass
– Crayfish
– Aquatic insects
– Frogs
– Leeches
– Snails
Loons require up to 1 kg of fish daily. They capture prey underwater by diving from the surface and swimming/chasing prey with their sharp vision and quick darting motions. Small stones may be swallowed to grind up food in the gizzard.
Young chicks are fed mainly small fish like sticklebacks and minnows which are easier to swallow. Adults swallow most prey underwater but may surface to manipulate larger fish.
Fishing Adaptations
The loon’s body is specially adapted for pursuing and catching fish underwater:
– Solid bones for diving
– Webbed feet propel the bird underwater
– Sharp, spear-like bill grabs and holds slippery fish
– Short tail and feet set far back on body for diving and swimming
– Able to adjust buoyancy by compressing feathers and expelling air
– Can dive to depths over 30 m
– Palmate feet and reversible outer toe improve underwater maneuverability
– Keen underwater vision helps spot fish
Breeding and Reproduction
The breeding season for Common Loons runs from May to August across Canada:
Courtship
– Loons return to breeding lakes in spring as ice melts, usually in pairs.
– Elaborate courtship rituals help reestablish pair bonds and may assess fitness.
– Male and female perform water dances, splash displays, yodel duets.
– Loons exhibit very high mate fidelity, often for life.
Nesting
– Solitary nests built very close to water, on islands, floating bogs, marshy inlets.
– Nests made from vegetation on ground near water; may use muskrat homes.
– 1-2 eggs (pale brown/olive blotched with black) incubated for 28-30 days.
– Parents share incubation duties; nest guarded closely.
Parental Care
– Precocial chicks hatch covered in down; cared for by both parents.
– Chicks carried on parents’ back to avoid predators.
– Parents feed chicks small fish frequently for rapid growth.
– Chicks fledge in 9-12 weeks; stay with parents until fall migration.
– Parents very protective, known to attack intruders near nest.
– Successful pairs raise 1-2 chicks per year on average.
Threats and Conservation
While still common, the Common Loon faces a variety of threats across its range:
Habitat Loss
– Acid rain and industrial pollution degrading breeding lakes.
– Shoreline development removing nesting sites and feeding habitat.
– Drought conditions reducing suitable habitat.
Human Disturbance
– Cottage and boat activity near shoreline nests.
– Fishing tackle and fishing line entanglement.
– Contaminants from mining and oil/gas operations.
Climate Change
– Longer ice-free seasons on lakes; more wind/wave disturbance.
– Increased severe weather events.
– Changes in fish populations.
Mercury Contamination
– Mercury pollution absorbed by loons via bioaccumulation in prey fish.
– Causes reproductive issues (thinner eggshells, infertility).
Conservation Actions
– Habitat protection programs through Canadian Lakes Loon Survey.
– Public education to reduce shoreline disturbance.
– Restrict lead tackle use to prevent lead poisoning.
– Rehabilitate injured loons through wildlife centres.
– Monitor loon populations and mercury levels.
– Advocate for policies to reduce emissions causing climate change and acid rain.
Fun Facts about the Common Loon
Here are some fun and interesting facts about the unique Common Loon:
– Loons produce eerie, haunting calls that echo across lakes. Scientists believe these assist in defending territories.
– Loons can dive to depths over 60 metres (200 feet) and stay underwater for up to 5 minutes while hunting.
– Their bones are solid rather than air-filled, which helps with diving.
– Loons are awkward on land with poorly-placed legs, but extremely agile in water.
– They can run across the surface of water to take off in flight.
– Loons breed at 2-7 years old and are long-lived, with lifespans typically 10-30 years.
– Males and females build nests together, sometimes reusing nest material from previous years.
– Loon eggs are incubated for 28-30 days and both parents share brooding duties.
– Loon chicks ride on their parents’ backs for warmth and protection early on.
– The Common Loon appears on the Canadian one dollar coin, the “loonie”.
– There are loon conservation programs across Canada focused on public education and habitat protection.
Conclusion
In summary, the Common Loon is a beloved aquatic bird and provincial bird symbol synonymous with Canada’s northern wilderness lakes. Its striking black and white plumage and yodeling calls make it one of Canada’s most recognizable avian residents. While still abundant across much of its range, the Common Loon faces threats from habitat loss, human disturbance, mercury pollution, and climate change. Ongoing conservation efforts focused on public education, sustainable fisheries, and protecting breeding habitat will help ensure loons continue to thrive across Canada for generations to come. When paddling across a quiet forest lake, listening to the eerie cries of the Common Loon echo through the trees serves as an iconic reminder of the wild beauty of Canada’s landscapes.
