Common Loon

[[File:Gavia immer map 2.svg|thumb|right|350px|Approximate distribution map

]] The Common Loon, Gavia immer, is a species of loon in the Gaviidae family. It is one of five species of loons, also called divers in Eurasia. This striking bird is known for its haunting cry, which echoes across freshwater lakes during the breeding season. During the winter, the same bird is a common visitor in coastal waters.

Other names
Great Northern Diver

Description
It possesses solid bones which help them to dive within bodies of water and reduce their buoyancy. Like other divers, it has a streamline body, small wings, and webbed feet set far back -- a feature that makes it clumsy on land, while in the water it is graceful.

The Common Loon possesses a dark, green black head and a white "necklace" marking around its neck. Its eyes are red and its upperparts are of a black and white "checkerboard" design. During the winter, its black-and-white breeding plumage is replaced with less eye-catching shades of brownish black and grey.

It has a length of 28 - 35 in and a wingspan of 3.9 - 4.9 ft.

Similar species
Yellow-billed Loon has an upturned bill.

Behaviour
It floats with its bill held at a characteristic upward slant.

Diet
It can dive up to depths of over 250 ft to catch fish, its principle prey.

Calls
Owns an "alarm call", but also wails, hoots, and yodels.