Common Loon
The
common loon (Gavia immer) is often called the “symbol of the
north,” but Oklahomans can look forward to the bird making two
cameo appearances in the Sooner State while migrating to and
from its southern wintering grounds.
With its distinctive black and white checkered plumage and
dagger-like bill, the common loon is one of America’s most
recognizable waterfowl species. It is also the most recognizable
of the five members of the loon family, all of which live in the
Northern Hemisphere.
All loons are highly specialized for aquatic life. Their
powerful back legs and large webbed feet allow them to dive
underwater for several minutes at a time. Their legs are set far
back on their body, and while this is a great adaptation for
swimming, it makes loons very awkward on land. In fact, the only
time loons go ashore is to mate and to incubate their eggs.
Loons are large birds, weighing up to eight pounds and measuring
nearly 30 inches. Their bones are solid instead of hollow, which
presumably allows them to dive for extended periods by
decreasing the buoyancy of their bodies. Loons also have higher
levels of dissolved oxygen in their blood, which allows them to
submerge for extended periods. Subsisting almost entirely on
fish, loons can dive up to 20 feet to grab fish with their long,
serrated bills.
They can live as long as 20 years, and there is strong evidence
that they mate for life. Although pairs sometimes winter
hundreds of miles apart from each other, they always return to
the same nesting lake each spring soon after the ice thaws.
Loons typically lay one or two eggs each spring on a floating
nest of dead vegetation. Eggs hatch in about 30 days. Loon
chicks are covering in soft, black down.
Attentive parents, loons will go to great lengths to protect
their young, and they often let young chicks ride around on
their backs until they are proficient swimmers. The adults are
patient and diligent teachers, helping their young hone their
hunting skills by offering them injured fish. Chicks are ready
to fend for themselves at about four months.
In Oklahoma, loons may be seen each spring and fall as they fly
back and forth to and from their wintering areas along the Gulf
Coast. At this time, they will often stop to rest and search for
food on large lakes. Once loons reach the oceans, special glands
help rid their system of excess salt.
Known for its plaintive, haunting cry, the loon is spiritually
significant in many native cultures, and it embodies the essence
of the northland for countless others. When you can hear the
loon call you know that you are in a wild place.
Unfortunately, loon populations are declining due to habitat
loss. Lakeside homes occupy increasing amounts of northern
shoreline, and increasing boat traffic disturbs the calm, quiet,
waters they need to raise their young. Still, in many the call
of the loon still pierces the sultry light of the dusk and dawn.
With a little luck, Oklahoma lakegoers can catch a glimpse of
this majestic water bird.