Loons are built for life in the water, not on land. Their legs are positioned far back on their bodies, making them exceptional swimmers and divers but awkward walkers. This unique anatomy allows loons to propel themselves underwater with incredible speed and power as they chase fish beneath the surface.

Because their legs are so far back, loons cannot balance well on land like ducks or geese. Instead of walking, they shuffle forward using their feet and breast, and they can only travel short distances before becoming exhausted. For this reason, loons build their nests right at the water's edge, allowing them to slide directly into the lake without needing to walk far.

Although they appear clumsy on land, this is actually a remarkable adaptation. Nearly every part of a loon's body has evolved to help it survive in the water, where it spends the vast majority of its life. Quick Facts

Quick Facts

• Loons spend most of their lives on the water.
  
• Their legs are positioned near the back of their body for powerful swimming.
  
• They are excellent divers but poor walkers.
  
• Loon nests are built close to the shoreline because walking is difficult.
  
• A healthy loon rarely leaves the water except to nest.

Unlike ducks, which can launch almost straight into the air, loons need a long stretch of open water to become airborne. Their bodies are relatively heavy, and because their legs are positioned far back for powerful swimming rather than walking or jumping, they cannot generate enough lift from a standing start.

To take off, a loon runs across the surface of the lake while rapidly beating its wings. As it gains speed, its webbed feet push against the water like paddles until there is enough airflow over its wings to lift it into the sky. Depending on wind conditions, a loon may need several hundred feet of open water before it can successfully take flight.

A headwind can make takeoff much easier by providing additional lift, while calm conditions often require an even longer "runway." This is one reason loons prefer large lakes with plenty of open water. Small ponds or lakes surrounded by trees can make takeoff difficult or even impossible.

Quick Facts

• Loons must run across the water before taking flight.
  
• They usually need several hundred feet of open water to become airborne.
  
• A strong headwind helps reduce the distance needed for takeoff.
  
• Their legs are designed for swimming, not jumping into the air.

One of the most recognizable loon behaviors is the dramatic wing flap. A loon may suddenly rise up in the water, stretch its neck, and flap its wings powerfully for several seconds. While it looks impressive, this behavior serves several important purposes.

After spending long periods diving and swimming, loons flap their wings to stretch their muscles and realign their feathers. This helps keep their waterproof plumage in excellent condition, which is essential for staying warm and buoyant. Wing flapping also helps dry the feathers after repeated dives.

During the breeding season, wing flapping can also be a form of communication. A loon may flap its wings after defending its territory, following an interaction with another loon, or simply while resting. Unlike many birds, loons rarely flap their wings while standing on land because they spend nearly all of their lives on the water.

Although wing flapping may seem like a display, it is usually part of a loon's normal daily routine and is one of the many fascinating behaviors birdwatchers enjoy observing.

Quick Facts

• Wing flapping helps stretch a loon's muscles.
  
• It helps keep feathers properly aligned and waterproof.
  
• Loons often flap their wings after diving or swimming for long periods.
  
• Wing flapping may also play a role in communication during the breeding season.
  
• This behavior is most commonly seen while the loon is floating on the water.
  

Did You Know?

A loon may flap its wings dozens of times each day. These brief stretches help maintain the waterproof feathers that are critical for diving, insulation, and flight.

Loons are among North America's most skilled diving birds. Their streamlined bodies, powerful legs, and dense bones allow them to dive deep beneath the surface in search of fish. Unlike many birds that have hollow bones to make flying easier, loons have heavier bones that reduce buoyancy, making it easier to stay underwater.

Most dives are between 15 and 60 feet deep while hunting, but loons are capable of diving much farther. Scientists have recorded common loons diving to depths of more than 200 feet, although these extreme dives are uncommon. Their powerful webbed feet provide all of the propulsion they need, while their wings remain tucked tightly against their bodies to reduce drag.

Loons are excellent underwater hunters, using their sharp eyesight to spot fish even in dim light. They can quickly change direction while swimming underwater, allowing them to chase and catch surprisingly fast prey.

Their remarkable diving ability is one of the key adaptations that makes loons such successful predators on lakes across North America.

Quick Facts

• Most loon dives are between 15 and 60 feet deep.
  
• Common loons have been recorded diving more than 200 feet.
  
• Their dense bones help reduce buoyancy underwater.
  
• Powerful webbed feet provide propulsion while diving.
  
• Loons keep their wings folded tightly against their bodies to reduce drag.
  

Did You Know?

A loon can disappear beneath the surface without making a splash. By gently lowering its body into the water before kicking downward, it can dive almost silently, making it much harder for fish to detect.