With its distinctive black and white checkered plumage and dagger-like bill, the common loon is one of America s most recognizable waterfowl species. It is also the most recognizable of the five members of the loon family, all of which live in the Northern Hemisphere.
All loons are highly specialized for aquatic life.
Their powerful back legs and large webbed feet allow them to dive underwater for several minutes at a time. Their legs are set far back on their body, and while this is a great adaptation for swimming, it makes loons very awkward on land. In fact, the only time loons go ashore is to mate and to incubate their eggs. Loons are large birds, weighing up to eight pounds and measuring nearly 30 inches. Their bones are solid instead of hollow, which presumably allows them to dive for extended periods by decreasing the buoyancy of their bodies.