the common loon, also sometimes known as the great northern diver, is a large member of the loon family, a group of sleek waterbirds known for their agile diving ability. while brownish overall outside of the breeding season, in their breeding plumage loons are quite stunning, with an iridescent black head & upperside, white underside and white patterning over much of the body. though the sexes’ plumage is alike, males are much heavier than females. loons dive for a variety of aquatic prey, with their diet consisting of fish, crustaceans, insect larvae and mollusks. while larger items like fish are sometimes brought to the surface, prey is often swallowed whole underwater. loons are monogamous, and pairs typically stay together for multiple years, sometimes surpassing a decade or more together. they work together to defend their territory, and to build a large nest for their brood each year. loons’ nests are built out of dead marsh grasses and other plants, and are carefully constructed even though each clutch only contains 1-2 eggs, which both parents incubate for around 28 days. both parents also assist in raising the young, who are capable of diving underwater at only a few days old, but remain with their parents until 70-77 days of age.
