Species group · Birds
Loons
WAnimals has 3 species of loon, all in the family Gaviidae.
- 3 species
- 1 family
- 45 countries
- 54 parks
- Weight
- 1 kg – 7.6 kg
- Length
- 53 cm – 91 cm
- Lifespan
- 15 – 28 years
Ranges calculated from the entries that record the figure, not from all 3.
All 3 species of loons on WAnimals
Each one has its own full entry. This group does not replace them: it brings them together.
Conservation status
No species documented in this group is genuinely at risk according to the IUCN, with the data available today.
See the global conservation statusWhere they live
Recorded in 45 countries. The ones with the most species in the group:
Where to see them
Did you know…
It gives its name to the Canadian one-dollar coin, nicknamed the 'loonie'.
From Common Loon
Its legs, set far back on the body, make it clumsy walking on land.
From Common Loon
It can dive to 60 metres to fish.
From Common Loon
Its bones are partly solid, unlike the hollow bones of almost all birds: that density reduces buoyancy and lets it dive effortlessly, but it means a take-off run of tens of metres across the water.
From Black-throated Diver
On land it is almost helpless: its legs are set so far back that it cannot walk upright, and it nests within a metre of the shore because it cannot get any further.
From Black-throated Diver
The chicks ride on their parents' backs for the first few weeks, sheltered from the cold water and from large fish and raptors.
From Black-throated Diver
It is the only diver able to take off directly from land.
From Red-throated Loon
It carries small fish whole in its bill to feed its chicks.
From Red-throated Loon