Gourt > Science > Biology > Flora and Fauna > Animalia > Chordata > Aves > Gaviiformes
The loon (N.Am.) or diver (UK) is a type of aquatic bird found in many parts of North America and northern Europe. A loon is the size of a large duck, which it resembles, but is unrelated; its plumage is largely grey or black, and it has a spear-shaped bill. The loons compose a genus (Gavia), family (Gaviidae), and order (Gaviiformes) all their own.
These were previously considered the most ancient of the northern hemisphere bird families, but it has recently become clear that the Anseriformes (ducks, geese and swans) and the Galliformes (the pheasants and their allies) are older groups.
The Common Loon is the national bird of Canada and is depicted on the Canadian one-dollar coin, which has come to be known affectionately as the loonie. It is also the official provincial bird of Ontario and the official state bird of Minnesota.
More on [ Loon ]
Arctic Loon (Gavia arctica) - Habits, breeding, migration, and distribution. Includes a photo.
Arctic Loon (Gavia arctica) - Images of this species in Japan.
Black-throated Diver (Gavia arctica) - Video, identification tips, and European range.
Common Loon (Gavia immer) - Describes the appearance of this bird in breeding plumage and winter plumage. Includes facts about its diet and nesting.
Common Loon (Gavia immer) - Photo, range maps, and facts on this bird's habitat, nesting, and behavior.
Meta Description: [ Photo of Common Loon, range maps, song, and facts about this bird's habitat, diet, nesting, and behavior. ]
Common Loon and Bird Migration Research in Algonquin Provincial Park - Species account for Gavia immer provides facts, photos, and sound files. Includes answers to research questions, such as how acid rain affects these birds.
Meta Description: [ For the past 30 years, Ron Tozer has been documenting the status and occurrence of bird species, including the Common Loon, in Algonquin Park through organized monitoring activities. ]
Gavia pacifica (Pacific Loon) - Scientific classification, food habits, behavior, and habitat of this species.
Gavia stellata (Red-Throated Loon) - Taxonomy, distribution, physical characteristics, and natural history of this bird.
Pacific Loon (Gavia pacifica) - Species account describes this bird's identifying traits, nesting, diet, and taxonomy.
Meta Description: [ A presentation of bird photographs, songs, identification tips, distribution maps, and life history information for North American birds, and a forum for commentary and discussion on birds. ]
White-billed Diver (Gavia adamsii) - Images of a bird in Lincolnshire, UK.
Yellow-billed Loon (Gavia adamsii) - Image, taxonomy chart, identification tips, and facts about this species' breeding.
Meta Description: [ A presentation of bird photographs, songs, identification tips, distribution maps, and life history information for North American birds, and a forum for commentary and discussion on birds. ]
| IJsduiken TV Gelderland 10 januari 2009 | |
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