Loons (Family Gaviidae)

The loons (North America) or divers (UK/Ireland) are a group of aquatic
birds found in many parts of North America and northern Europe. A loon

is the size of a large duck or small goose, which it somewhat resembles in
shape when swimming.

The plumage is largely black-and-white, with grey on the head and neck
in some species, and a white belly, and all species have a spear-shaped
bill. All living species of loons are members of Genus Gavia in
Family Gaviidae, and Order Gaviiformes, an order all of their own.

The European name "diver" comes from the bird's habit of catching fish
by swimming calmly along the surface and then abruptly plunging into
the water. The North American name loon comes from the bird's
haunting, yodeling cry.

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