What is a Loon?

Loons are the classic symbol of a northern wilderness lake – they dive and swim like pieces of living art across the lake’s top, often calling with their wailing cries that echo off the distant shore. But what are loons? What makes them so unique?

Biology of Loons

Virtually every person recognizes a loon, but fewer people understand the details of their biology and behavior. Loons belong to a family of birds known as Gaviidae, which also includes the red-throated loon, black-throated loon, Pacific loon, Arctic loon, and yellow-billed loon. Most species are found in the northern hemisphere, though they can be observed as far south as Mexico and South America.

Loons have powerful feet and webbed toes that enable them to swim underwater. They are carnivores and use their angled bill to pluck prey from the depths. This tool also helps them filter out vegetation or small shells from the water. It’s most beneficial when loons are feeding their young – loons can travel hundreds of miles down many rivers to bring home the food their babies need.

Behavior of Loons

Families of loons often remain together for years as long as the body of water is kept healthy. They also show strong pair bonding behavior and are usually monogamous for life. The pair can also be spotted foreshadowing, where the male and female will each take a different side of the lake and sound off with their wail-like call back and forth between each other.

Both parents incubate the eggs and feed the chicks once they hatch. The chicks will ride on their parent’s back as they dive and swim until they are able to feed themselves at around 3-6 weeks of age. Loons will even use their bodies to gather up chicks and maneuver them around the lake and between shorelines.

Loons’ Impacts on the Environment

Loons act as an important indicator of lake health; if a lake is in an unhealthy state, they will often move away or become scarce. Their diving activities also help with nutrient cycling and oxygenation. They even play a role in controlling aquatic pest populations, as they will feast on mosquito larvae and other aquatic invertebrates that would otherwise impact other fish species.

Loons are also a common target for hunters, as the flesh of a loon is often considered a delicacy. In some countries, hunting of loons is illegal or heavily restricted due to their declining populations.

Conclusion

Ultimately, loons represent so much more than feathers and aquatic calls. Their role in the environmental balance, pair bonding behavior, and reliance on healthy waters make them a truly unique and significant species. As such, loons are a reminder of why it’s so important to protect and support the health of our lakes and rivers.