Species Spotlight: Common Loon

The call of a Common Loon is an iconic sound of Canadian summers, echoing across lakes. It's eerie, yet also comforting in it's familiarity. In many ways, Loons are one of the most interesting birds we have the pleasure of observing here in Ontario. Let's hash out what makes Common Loons so special: 

Common Loon. Photo by Shayna Hartley. 

Appearance: The Common Loon is known for its striking appearance with a black head and neck, white underparts, and a distinctive checkerboard pattern on its back. During breeding season, their eyes turn bright red.

Both non-breeding adults and immatures have a paler appearance, with white down their neck. Here you can see two immatures following a breeding adult. 
Photo by Heather Kerrison. 

Vocalization: The haunting calls of the Common Loon are iconic in Canada, and have come to symbolize true wilderness. 

Behaviour: Loons are excellent divers and swimmers, capable of diving deep underwater to catch fish. They use their powerful webbed feet for propulsion. They have a lot of unique behaviours. They swallow most of its prey underwater and actually have  sharp, rearward-pointing projections on the roof of its mouth and tongue to help them keep a firm hold on slippery fish. Their legs are placed far back on their bodies to make them efficient swimming but they are quite awkward on land for this same reason. Migrating loons have been clocked flying at speeds more than 70 mph. They are in a way like airplanes in that they need a runway for takeoff, flapping their wings and running across the top of the water in order to gain enough speed for lift-off.

Habitat: They inhabit freshwater lakes and large ponds across Ontario, particularly in remote areas. They are especially associated with clear, deep lakes surrounded by forests.

Breeding: They typically nest close to water's edge, often on islands or secluded shorelines. The female lays 1-2 eggs. Both parents are very involved and take turns incubating them and caring for the chicks.

Migration: In Ontario, Common Loons are migratory, spending winters along the coasts or large bodies of water in southern regions. They return to their breeding grounds in spring.

Cultural Significance: The loon is a symbol of wilderness and is featured prominently in Canadian culture, it's even our Canadian one-dollar coin, the "loonie".

Truly, what is better than hearing a loon by a lake during summer in Ontario?! 

Enjoy! 


Warmly, 

Heather