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Pacific Loon, Gavia pacifica, a sister species of the Black-throated Diver The Gaviidae (loons) are the sole extant family of a small order of water birds. The Gaviidae have five species all restricted mostly along the Northern Hemisphere. Loons are relatively large-sized water birds that are masters in diving. They mainly feed on fish. Of the most remarkable feature of these marine avian creatures, is their cool ambience. They seem to be in total control of their habitat and they go about their business with a gentle tranquility. Species Description The foot placement of loons is far posterior and this makes it very hard for them to walk on dry land. Their bills are razor sharp and with a dagger-like shape which is very useful when it comes to feeding on fish. The breeding plumages, also called alternates are boldly patterned with black, gray and white feathers while the non-breeding plumages usually feature a drab gray, brown and white coat. The loons have a pair of brilliant red iris especially in the alternate plumages. One of their most distinctive features is their eerie vocalizations that are rare but still very unique when they come around. Adult loons range in sizes of about 53 to 91 cm and weigh around 1 to 7 kg. The males are slightly larger than the females in all the known species of loons. Habitat Loons breed mostly in forested lakes, tundra lakes and even in ponds. During winter, the loons will seek shallow seawaters or large water reservoirs for habitation. Their distribution is mostly Holarctic. This means that the entire family of Gaviidae can only be found on the Northern Hemisphere. Feeding habits The loons are masters in swimming and diving despite their large size. The aquatic birds prey on fish, which they catch with their strong razor sharp bills. They have speed and precise marksmanship and their size gives them an edge in underwater pursuits. They swimming abilities is further enhanced (especially in amplifying speed) by the fact that they short stocky legs perfectly placed at the far back of their bodies and then graced with webbed feet. That aquatic adaptation makes land locomotion very awkward and imbalanced. However, when they take on their wings, which is also pretty hard, they are amongst the strongest fliers of all aquatic birds. Reproduction Both sexes of the loons are quite similar in plumage. At the underside, they are pristine white while from above they feature a checked black and white coat. Loons are generally monogamous and they have a very strong pair bond. To establish a lifelong mate, the loons will engage in an elaborate courtship with days and days of courtship rituals. Such rituals include high-pitched quavering calls while in flight. However, the breeding is usually left to a solitary female. Such breeding occurs on freshwater lakes. Their youngs are very downy and they usually leave the nest soon after the hatching to be cared for by both of the parents. Conclusion Flight feathers of loons molt simultaneously each year and the birds are thus rendered flightless albeit temporarily. After molting successfully, loons migrate southwards to wintering areas, mostly along the ocean coasts. Currently, none of the loon species is considered endangered or even threatened.
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