Waterfowl (Loons)

Loons are called ‘divers’ in the UK. The legs of these birds are set far to the rear of their bodies. While this makes them masters of the underwater chase for fish, it renders them almost ‘crippled’ on land. The birds in this set are Common Loon, Pacific Loon, and Red-Throated Loon. 

Researchers believe loons live for 25 or 30 years. Studies show loons spend about three years at sea before reaching breeding age. Then they fly to inland lakes where they look for suitable territories and mates. Most young breeders fail to successfully raise young until they reach the age of five or six years.