common loons (Gavia immer)
Common loons, or great northern divers (Gavia immer) swimming with young.
Common loon, (Gavia immer), the most abundant loon species (order Gaviiformes) in North America. It is distinguished from other loons by its breeding season colorationāthat 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...