Science & Nature • Birds

Loon

Loons are aquatic birds in the genus Gavia, known for their striking plumage, powerful diving ability, and haunting calls.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Loons are aquatic birds in the genus Gavia, known for their striking plumage, powerful diving ability, and haunting calls. They breed on northern freshwater lakes and ponds and usually winter on coastal marine waters. The best-known species in North America is the common loon.

Description

Loons are heavy-bodied aquatic birds with pointed bills, webbed feet set far back on the body, and strong underwater swimming abilities. Their black, gray, and white plumage and distinctive calls make them especially recognizable.

Habitat and range

Loons breed on freshwater lakes and ponds in northern North America, Europe, and Asia, then migrate to marine coasts or large inland waters in winter. They are strongly tied to clear water habitats with good fish availability.

Diet and behaviour

Loons are carnivorous divers that hunt mostly fish underwater, but they also take crayfish, frogs, leeches, snails, salamanders, and similar prey. They are efficient swimmers but spend little time on land.

Conservation

Loon conservation status depends on the species. The common loon is considered Least Concern, while some other loon species face threats from habitat change, pollution, and fishing-tackle lead poisoning.

Key facts

Loons are large waterbirds adapted for swimming and diving rather than walking on land.
They use their feet for propulsion underwater and can dive to catch prey.
Their calls include wails, yodels, hoots, and tremolos.
Most loons breed on inland lakes in northern regions and migrate to coastal waters for winter.
The conservation status differs among species; some are more at risk than others.

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Canadian context

Loons are especially familiar to Canadian readers because they are common on northern lakes across Canada, and the common loon is a widely recognized symbol of Canadian wilderness and appears on the one-dollar coin.

Frequently asked questions

What is a loon?

A loon is a large aquatic bird in the genus Gavia, known for its excellent diving ability and haunting calls.

Where do loons live?

Loons breed on northern freshwater lakes and ponds and usually spend winter on coastal waters; their range includes North America, Europe, and Asia.

What does a loon sound like?

Loons are known for eerie, wailing calls, and also make yodeling, hooting, and tremolo sounds.

Are loons endangered?

Not all loons are endangered. Conservation status varies by species; for example, the common loon is listed as Least Concern.

How long do loons live?

Longevity varies by species and is difficult to measure in the wild, but common loons can live for decades; some sources report about 25 to 30 years.

What do loons eat?

Loons mainly eat fish, but they also consume other aquatic prey such as crayfish, frogs, leeches, snails, salamanders, and insects.

References

Cornell Lab of Ornithology — https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Loon/overview
Supports: Loons are powerful divers, winter habitat, and basic ecology of the common loon.
National Loon Center — https://www.nationallooncenter.org/about-loons/
Supports: Habitat, migration, diet, and broad natural-history facts about loons.
Britannica Kids — https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/loon/353397
Supports: General description, range, calls, diet, and lifespan-related overview.
Live Science — https://www.livescience.com/55577-common-loon.html
Supports: Common loon calls, habitat, diet, and conservation status of the common loon.
Loon Preservation Committee — https://loon.org/about-the-common-loon/
Supports: Common loon breeding habitat, migration, diet, and conservation threats.