Loons are expert underwater hunters that primarily eat fish. Their diet also includes crayfish, frogs, aquatic insects, leeches, snails, and occasionally small aquatic animals found in freshwater lakes.

Fish make up most of a common loon's diet. Favorite prey often includes perch, minnows, sunfish, shiners, sticklebacks, and young bass, depending on what is available in the lake.

Common loons regularly dive 30 to 60 feet while hunting, but they are capable of diving more than 200 feet when searching for prey.

Most loon dives last between 30 and 60 seconds. During longer hunts, they can remain underwater for more than a minute before resurfacing.

Loons use their powerful legs to propel themselves underwater. They chase fish with incredible speed and capture them using their sharp, pointed bill.

No. While fish are their primary food source, loons also eat crayfish, frogs, aquatic insects, leeches, snails, and other small aquatic animals, especially when feeding their chicks.

Yes. Adult loons bring their chicks small fish along with insects and other soft-bodied aquatic prey that are easy for young birds to swallow.

Yes. Loons have excellent eyesight and may hunt during low-light conditions, especially during migration or when fish are more active near the surface.

Yes. Loons swallow nearly all of their prey headfirst. This helps fish fins fold backward, making them easier to swallow.

Loons intentionally swallow tiny pebbles called gastroliths. These stones help grind food in the gizzard and aid the digestive process.

Not usually. Loons mostly eat smaller fish that are abundant in healthy lakes. They play an important role in the ecosystem and generally do not reduce sport fish populations.

Yes. Water pollution, invasive species, habitat loss, and declining fish populations can make it harder for loons to find food. Lead fishing tackle is also a serious threat because loons may accidentally swallow it while feeding.