Loon

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• Gavia stellata
• Gavia arctica
• Gavia pacifica
• Gavia immer
• Gavia adamsii

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, to which it 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.

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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.

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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.

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Loon: Characteristics ►



 

North America: North America is a continent in the northern hemisphere, bordered on the north by the Arctic Ocean, on the east by the North Atlantic Ocean, on the south by the Caribbean Sea, and on the west by the North Pacific Ocean. It covers an area of 9,355,000 square miles (24,230,000 square kilometers). In 2...

Europe: :This article is about the continent. For other meanings, see Europe (disambiguation)....

Duck: Dendrocygninae...




Loon related Images and Photos (experimental)

Female Loon	Crazy Loon Saloon	Early April - Loon Lake	Yodeling - Common Loon
Loon Mountain Park - Snowboarder and Tram	Call of the Loon	A Tiny Loon Chick Being Fed by its Parent