Common Loon -- South Dakota Birds

Common Loon

Gavia immer

The loud cries of the Common Loon are well-known, although it is only a migrant in South Dakota.   They are generally silent outside of breeding season.  A bird in breeding plumage is shown to the right.  Other photos, including those of birds in winter plumage, can be accessed below.

Habitat: Large lakes, coastal waters.  Prefers large wooded lakes or tundra lakes in summer, winters on coastal waters.

Diet: Mostly fish, Also aquatic insects, aquatic plants, frogs, crustaceans, and leeches. 

Nesting: Non-breeder in South Dakota

Song: Common Loon Song

Migrations: Summers in Canada and extreme northern U.S., winters along North American coasts.

Similar Species: Resembles other loons in winter plumage. 

Status: Some decrease in numbers in southern parts of summer range due to human disturbance, water quality decreases.  A good "indicator species", being quite sensitive to water quality.

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Common Loon

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Common Loon"

3) E-nature.com: Common Loon

Photo Information:  June 2006 - Near Willow, Alaska - Terry Sohl

Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Common Loon photos.

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Please mail any comments/suggestions/additional links for this page to: Terry L. Sohl

This page was last edited on 02/03/08