"The Great Northern Diver, known in North America as the Common Loon (Gavia immer), is a large member of the loon, or diver, family of birds." --- http://tinyurl.com/6ztpdh
They're truly optimized for diving. Like penguins, they *fly* underwater, using their wings (not their feet) for propulsion. Unlike penguins, though, loons can also fly in the air--- just not very well.
Optimized for submersion, they ride low on the water, like little feathered battleships. Their calls are distinctive and unforgettable; and come in three varieties named (really!): hoots, yodels, wails, and tremolos.
Some short sound clips of the above calls may be found here: http://tinyurl.com/6a433o
What is that bird? Hard to tell -- not one of our regulars out here in the Midwest, I don't think. Gorgeous!
ReplyDelete"The Great Northern Diver, known in North America as the Common Loon (Gavia immer), is a large member of the loon, or diver, family of birds." --- http://tinyurl.com/6ztpdh
ReplyDeleteThey're truly optimized for diving. Like penguins, they *fly* underwater, using their wings (not their feet) for propulsion. Unlike penguins, though, loons can also fly in the air--- just not very well.
Optimized for submersion, they ride low on the water, like little feathered battleships. Their calls are distinctive and unforgettable; and come in three varieties named (really!): hoots, yodels, wails, and tremolos.
Some short sound clips of the above calls may be found here:
http://tinyurl.com/6a433o
Ahem. That would be FOUR varieties of calls.
ReplyDeleteCounting are hard.