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Common Loon (Gavia immer)
Birds Around Las Vegas, Wildlife Around Las Vegas
Common Loon (Gavia immer)
Common Loon, summer plumage

General Description: Common Loons (Gavia immer) are sexually monomorphic water birds with differing winter and summer plumage. Loons might be mistaken for ducks, and they are always found in water. Loons ride low in the water, holding their large head and long, pointed, black bill upright. In breeding plumage, the head and neck band are black or iridescent green, and the back is checkered black and white. The breast is white. In winter plumage, the colors become dull, and most of the neck band is lost, giving them a white-neck appearance. The bottom of the bill angles up, giving the bill an upturned appearance.

Loons breed in the north country during summer, and they are uncommon winter visitors to the Las Vegas area.

Common Loon (Gavia immer)
Common Loon, winter plumage

Taxonomy: Gaviiformes, Gaviidae

Favored Habitat: Large bodies of water.

Where to Find: Large water such as the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve, Boulder Beach Marina at Lake Mead NRA, and lakes in the Pahranagat Valley.

Comments: Loons dive to catch fish for food.

Common Loon (Gavia immer) If you were a tasty fish, this might be the last face you ever see!
Common Loon (Gavia immer)
Common Loon, summer plumage
Common Loon (Gavia immer)
Rarely seen, loons really do have wings
Common Loon (Gavia immer)
Common Loon, summer plumage
Common Loon (Gavia immer)
Common Loon, summer plumage
Common Loon (Gavia immer)
Common Loon, winter plumage
Common Loon (Gavia immer)
Common Loon, winter plumage
Common Loon (Gavia immer)
Common Loon, winter plumage
Common Loon (Gavia immer)
Common Loon, winter plumage
Common Loon (Gavia immer)
Common Loon diving after a fish
Common Loon (Gavia immer)
Common Loon sleeping
Note: All distances, elevations, and other facts are approximate.
copyright; Last updated 240105
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