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.

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.