LOONS are a highly specialized water birds. They come ashore only to breed, laying 2-3 eggs. They migrate south and are silent in the winter. Sexes are similar. They have large dagger-like bills. In flight; head is held lower than body giving it a hunch-backed look, rapid wingbeats, no gliding, they must run along the water for take off. Some dive by gliding under the surface (Common and Yellow-billed) others hop up and forward to begin the plunge. They eat fish, crustaceans and water plants.
