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Common Loons,
Gavia immer.
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Class: Birds
Order: Loons
Family: Loons
Species found along the Rideau River:
Common Loon
Characteristics of the family:
Loons are large birds, and are excellent swimmers and divers. The
bill is sharp and pointed, unlike that of ducks and geese. When loons
fly, the feet extend beyond the body and the neck is slanted downwards.
Interesting facts:
Loons are one of the oldest bird families; some loon fossils date back
to the time dinosaurs became extinct, about 65 million years ago!
| Description |
The
appearance of males and females is similar. The head and neck
are black with a greenish gloss. They have an incomplete white
collar (it almost circles the throat) and black bill. The back
is chequered black and white and the belly is white. |
| Size |
70
cm to 90 cm from the tip of the bill to the tip of the tail. |
| Distribution |
Breeds
throughout Canada and the northern United States. Migrates and
winters along the east and west coasts of North America. |
| Habitat |
Freshwater
lakes in summer, and coastal zones in winter. |
| Food |
Fish,
crustaceans. |
| Life
cycle |
In
the spring, a female loon will usually lay 2 eggs. The large
nests are built with clumps of aquatic vegetation and roots.
Either the female or the male incubates the eggs for 29 days. |
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