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Common loon · Loons are water birds. They nest on the shores of deep freshwater lakes and feed mainly on fish. · They are strong swimmers. They dive as deep as 200 feet, and can remain underwater for as long as 10 minutes. · In 1983, Maine was home to about 1,800 common loons. In 2000 the population reached about 2,500 and remains at that level today. · Loons migrate in small flocks. Some have been known to take a wet highway or other large flat surface for a river or pond and mistakenly land on it. · The loon is thought to be one of the oldest bird species still in existence, stretching back 50 million to 60 million years. · Since the loon evolved before most other existing birds, its bones are not hollow like other birds, but solid. · Loons' legs are placed farther back on their bodies than most birds, making them capable swimmers in water but poor walkers on land.This may explain why they build their nests next to the water's edge. · In most birds, males and females have different physical characteristics, but male and female loons look almost identical. · Loons are thought to mate for life. · The average lifespan of the common loon is 25-30 years. · Loons are not only strong swimmers, but strong fliers as well. They can fly as fast as 80 mph. · From head to tail, the common loon measures up to 3 feet, having a wingspan of up to 4½ feet. They can weigh up to 14 pounds. · The loon has a haunting, yodel-like call in summer, and is silent in winter. - By Jack Wilde and Dana Wilde |
Maine Nature Notes |