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The common loon (Gavia immer) was adopted as the official state bird symbol of Minnesota in 1961. Loons are known for their cries, wails, and yodels - their eerie, echoing calls are a distinctive feature of Minnesota’s northern lakes.
Common loons on a wilderness lake in northern Minnesota -
bird video courtesy of birdcinema.com
Loons are large black and white birds with red eyes. They have wingspans up to five feet and body lengths up to three feet. Although clumsy on land, they are high-speed flyers and excellent underwater swimmers (they will dive to depths of 90 feet in pursuit of fish). Approximately 12,000 of this unique bird make their summer homes in the Minnesota.
Minnesota "Critical Habitat" license plate featuring the state bird
photo by Norm Russo (used by permission)
Common Loon with baby on board (MasterClips photo)
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