How far can a common loon dive for its food?

The bones of most birds are hollow and light, but loons have solid bones. The extra weight helps them dive as deep as 250 feet to search for food. They can stay underwater for up to five minutes.

1. How far can loons dive?
2. Do loons dive?
3. What is the range of a loon?
4. How far do loons travel?
5. How long can loons stay submerged?
6. Do loons return to the same lake?
7. How big of a fish can a loon eat?
8. Why do loons cry at night?
9. What is the lifespan of a loon?
10. Can a loon walk on land?
11. Are common loons aggressive?
12. Do loons live in saltwater?
13. Where do loons sleep at night?
14. Do common loons mate for life?
15. How do you attract loons?

How far can loons dive?

Almost wholly aquatic, loons can swim long distances underwater and can dive from the surface to a depth of 60 metres (200 feet). Besides having solid bones, loons can further decrease their buoyancy for these dramatic dives by compressing air from their lungs, feathers, and internal air sacs.

Do loons dive?

Unlike most birds, loons have solid bones that make them less buoyant and better at diving. They can quickly blow air out of their lungs and flatten their feathers to expel air within their plumage, so they can dive quickly and swim fast underwater.

What is the range of a loon?

Common Loons migrate from northern lakes to coastal ocean waters. Loons in western Canada and Alaska migrate to the Pacific Coast, from Alaska's Aleutian Islands down past Mexico's Baja Peninsula. Loons from the Great Lakes region migrate to the Gulf of Mexico or Florida coasts.

How far do loons travel?

How far can common loons fly in one day? In one documented case, a loon traveled 670 miles within a 24-hr period. In another case, a loon traveled distances of 360 and 505 miles during two consecutive days.

How long can loons stay submerged?

The loon can stay underwater for up to five minutes, its signature red eyes helping it locate prey while submerged. Common loons are skilled in flight, sometimes reaching speeds of 70 miles (110 kilometers) an hour.

Do loons return to the same lake?

When and where do the loons return? Biologists suspect that loons return to the same general area where they were born, often returning to their very own birth lake. Loons will typically arrive on New Hampshire's lakes and ponds just after ice-out, sometimes on the very next day!

How big of a fish can a loon eat?

How much can a loon eat? Loons typically eat fish weighing 10-70 grams. They usually eat the fish and other prey they catch underwater, although they will bring food to the surface to feed their chicks, and also large fish to subdue them before swallowing them.

Why do loons cry at night?

The wail is frequently heard during night chorusing. The hoot is a soft, short call that is typically used for short range communication between members of a loon family unit (paired adults and their chicks). Loons may also hoot to communicate with rival loons during low-level territorial interactions.

What is the lifespan of a loon?

Two eggs are laid in June or July, and incubation lasts four weeks. Chicks are active within hours of hatching, yet they require an additional five weeks of care. Both parents share responsibility in raising the young. LIFE CYCLE: Loons live an estimated 20 to 30 years.

Can a loon walk on land?

Description. Loons walk clumsily on land; that's how they got their name, according to National Geographic. They are unable to walk easily on land because their legs are located far to the rear of their bodies, according to the Audubon Society. That position also makes them powerful swimmers, however.

Are common loons aggressive?

During the breeding season, Common Loons show interspecific aggression toward other species of waterfowl. ... In contrast to their aggressive behavior during the breeding season, observers have reported that Common Loons are seldom aggressive during migration or on wintering grounds.

Do loons live in saltwater?

All living things must continually have water to survive. Some species are adapted to spend their lives in fresh water. Others are adapted only to ocean (salty) water. And some--like loons and manatees--can live in both!

Where do loons sleep at night?

Because they are not well built for life on land, loons typically sleep in the water. They take short naps (15 minutes in duration, on average). To sleep, a loon turns its neck and folds its head down to rest on its back.

Do common loons mate for life?

Loons are long-lived (20-30 years!) and territorial, returning annually to the same lake to breed. Banding studies have shown that loons do not mate for life and occasionally do switch mates or territories. ... When one loon dies, the remaining member of a pair will find another mate.

How do you attract loons?

One of the best ways to encourage loons and other water birds to visit your favorite lakeshore is to allow deadfall trees to remain where they've naturally toppled into the water. Deadfalls attract a variety of aquatic prey, including insects and fish, and water birds often use these structures for fishing.