What is so special about loons?
Loons have solid bones, unlike other birds. This makes them less buoyant and better at diving. They quickly expel air from their lungs and flatten their feathers to remove air from within their plumage so they can dive deep and swim quickly.
How fast can a loon swim?
20 miles per hour
They can quickly blow air out of their lungs and flatten their feathers to expel air within their plumage, so they can dive quickly and swim fast underwater. Once below the surface, the loon’s heart slows down to conserve oxygen.” Loons have been recorded swimming as fast as 20 miles per hour and can turn on a dime.
Is common loon rare?
Status and conservation. Since 1998, the common loon has been rated as a species of least concern on the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species.
How fast can a common loon fly?
70 mph
Loons are agile swimmers, but they move pretty fast in the air, too. Migrating loons have been clocked flying at speeds more than 70 mph.
Are loons color blind?
Judith McIntyre also pointed out that young loons have dull-colored eyes, even though when they’re first learning to catch fish they obviously require excellent vision. If the red color were truly an aid to vision, the young would certainly have red eyes.
Do loons have red eyes?
The loon can stay underwater for up to five minutes, its signature red eyes helping it locate prey while submerged. Common loons are skilled in flight, sometimes reaching speeds of 70 miles (110 kilometers) an hour.
Do loons sleep?
Because they are not well built for life on land, loons typically sleep in the water. They take short naps (15 minutes in duration, on average). To sleep, a loon turns its neck and folds its head down to rest on its back. During the nesting period, loons may sleep while incubating.
Do loons have good eyesight?
Loons obviously have excellent underwater vision, and can chase and catch fish pretty far beneath the surface. But although at least one loon has been caught in a fisherman’s net set 800 feet below the surface, loons normally don’t dive that deep.
Why are loons eyes red?
How long can loons hold breath?
How many calls does a loon have?
four
They have four main calls which they use to communicate with their families and other loons. Each call has a distinct meaning and serves a unique function. While the call of the loon is one of the most well known characteristics of the species, it is not the only interesting aspect of their biology.