common loon

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common loon

bird

Also known as: Gavia immer, great northern diver, great northern loon

Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

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Also called:: great northern diver or great northern loon

Related Topics:: loon

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common loon, (Gavia immer), the most abundant loon species (order Gaviiformes) in North America. It is distinguished from other loons by its breeding season coloration—that is, by its black head and bill, the striped black-and-white ring of feathers that encircles its neck, and the striking checkered pattern of black-and-white feathers on its back. The common loon is known for its haunting voice, which is heard in the summer on northern wooded lakes and is considered to be a symbol of the wilderness. The summer breeding range of the common loon extends from Canada, Alaska, and several other northern U.S. states ...(100 of 289 words)

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