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The loon (N.Am.) or
diver (UK) is a type of aquatic bird found in many parts of North
America and northern Europe. A loon is the size of a large duck,
to which it is unrelated; its plumage is largely grey or black,
and it has a spear-shaped bill. The loons compose a genus (Gavia),
family (Gaviidae), and order (Gaviiformes) all their own. These
were previously considered the most ancient of the northern hemisphere
bird families, but it has recently become clear that the Anseriformes
(ducks, geese and swans) and the Galliformes (the pheasants and
their allies) are older groups. The European name diver comes
from the bird's habit of catching fish by swimming calmly along
the surface and then abruptly plunging into the water; the North
American name loon comes from the bird's haunting, yodeling cry,
a symbol of the Canadian wilds.
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Loons swim well,
and fly adequately (their bones are much denser than those of
most birds), but are almost hopeless on land, and the larger loons
have difficulty taking off, becoming airborne only after skimming
the surface of the water for a couple of hundred meters. Because
these birds locate their prey underwater mainly by sight, they
prefer lakes with clear water. Loons breed on inland freshwater
lakes and ponds, but move to the coasts in winter, and often move
much further south. The nest is usually a mound of plant material
close to water. A pair may mate for life. Loons can live as long
as 30 years.
Images One Through Five From The US Fish and Wildlife Service
Image Number Six By William Troyer
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