Common Loon: A Voice of the Northern Wilderness

The haunting, echoing call of the Common Loon is an iconic sound of summer across North America’s northern lakes. More than just a bird, the loon is a symbol of pristine waters and remote, wild places. With its striking black-and-white plumage and unforgettable behaviors, it captures the imagination of all who encounter it.

A Master of Two Worlds

The Common Loon (Gavia immer) is perfectly adapted for life in the water. Its body is sleek and streamlined, with legs set far back for powerful swimming and diving. This design makes it an exceptional underwater hunter, capable of diving to depths of over 200 feet and staying submerged for several minutes to catch fish. However, this specialization comes at a cost. On land, loons are almost helpless, only venturing ashore to nest. Their legs are so far back that they can only push themselves awkwardly on their bellies.

Striking Appearance

In summer, adults are stunning. They have a black head with iridescent green and purple hues, a sharp black bill, and a distinctive “necklace” of white stripes. Their back is checkered in black and white, perfect camouflage against the sparkling water. In winter, they transform into a much plainer, grey-brown bird with a white throat and belly, blending into the open coastal waters where they spend the colder months.

The Famous Loon Call

Loons are famous for their vocalizations, which carry for miles across still lakes. They have four main calls:

· The Tremolo: Often called the "laughing" call, it signals alarm or curiosity.

· The Wail: A long, mournful, wolf-like call used for communication between mates and family members.

· The Yodel: A complex, male-defended call unique to each individual, used to proclaim territory.

· The Hoot: Soft, short calls used for close communication among family groups.

Life on the Lake

Loons return to the same freshwater lakes each spring to mate and raise their young. They build simple nests right at the water's edge. Typically, two dark-brown, camouflaged eggs are laid. The chicks can swim almost immediately after hatching and often ride on their parents' backs for warmth, protection, and rest. Watching a loon family—with tiny striped chicks hitching a ride—is a memorable sight for any nature lover.

Challenges and Conservation

While still widespread, Common Loons face several threats. Water pollution, like acid rain and mercury, can damage their health and reduce fish populations. Habitat loss from shoreline development destroys nesting sites. Disturbance from boats and water sports can scare loons off their nests, leaving eggs vulnerable to predators. Many regions with loon populations now have conservation programs that promote "loon-friendly" practices, such as using non-lead fishing tackle (which loons can accidentally swallow) and respecting nesting areas.

A Symbol of Wildness

The Common Loon’s enduring appeal lies in its wild essence. It thrives where water is clean and ecosystems are intact. Its call, a sound of profound solitude and ancient lakes, reminds us of the value of preserving wild spaces. To hear a loon’s call at dusk is to connect directly with the untamed heart of the northern wilderness.