Loons are considered one of the most primitive birds on earth. They have not changed from their current form for the last one million years. The first loon relative appeared about 25 million years ago and measured about six feet from beak to tail.

There are five species of loons in the world: Common Loon (Gavia immer), Yellow-billed Loon (Gavia adamsii), Pacific Loon (Gavia pacifica), Arctic Loon (Gavia arctica), and the Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata). Only the Common Loon breeds in the lower 48 states and usually nests on inland lakes.

LoonWatch focuses on the protection of common loons and their aquatic habitats through education, monitoring, and research.

Loon Identification—What does a common loon look like?

Loon Behavior & Vocalizations—Learn how to identify the diverse behaviors of loons and what they mean.

Loon Ecology—Learn about the life cycle of a loon and loon habitat.

Loon Artificial Nesting Platforms—Determine if your lake is a good candidate for a nesting platform and find out what you need to do to aquire a permit or notify the Wisconsin DNR about your platform project.

Loon Conservation—What do turning on a light, driving your car, going fishing, building a house, and taking a boat ride have in common? All are human activities that have potentially negative consequences for loons. Learn about the conservation issues affecting loons today.

Frequently Asked Common Loon Questions—Do loons mate for life? Are loons protected? How many eggs do loons lay? Look here for the answers to these and other frequently asked loon questions.

Other Loon Groups & Resources—Visit these websites for information and news about loons across North America.