Do common loons dive?

Do common 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.

How far do loons travel underwater?

How deep can a Loon dive? However, not many people know that loons can dive to depths greater than 200 feet and remain underwater for as much as five minutes! Loon dives are deep because they hunt fish and other aquatic prey, but it also helps them avoid predation from birds like eagles or herons.

Why can’t loons walk on land?

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.

Do loons use their wings underwater?

Wing Rowing When swimming, loons typically rely solely on their feet for propulsion; however, they may use their wings as paddles to help ‘row’ themselves across the water when they need to escape a situation quickly. Depending on the level of the threat perceived, loons may continue wing rowing for great distances.

How fast can Loons swim?

Because of this they are extremely powerful swimmers. They are able to dive to depths of up to 200 feet, for durations of up to five minutes, in search of food. Loons are very adept fliers as well, reaching speeds of up to 80 miles per hour when they have strong tailwinds.

How long do loons live?

North European loons migrate primarily via the South Baltic and directly over land to the Black Sea or Mediterranean. Loons can live as long as 30 years and can hold their breath for as long as 90 seconds while underwater.

When do loons migrate?

Near the end of summer, loons will gather on many larger lakes prior to migration. Adults will usually migrate before young birds, which may need additional time to mature before migration. By the middle of November, most loons migrate south or to the Atlantic Ocean, but a few may winter on the Great Lakes.

How big is a loon?

The adult common loon can range from 66 to 91 cm (26 to 36 in) in length with a 127 to 147 cm (4 ft 2 in to 4 ft 10 in) wingspan, slightly smaller than the similar yellow-billed loon. On average, it is about 81 cm (32 in) long and has a wingspan of 136 cm (54 in).