Ornithology/Gaviiformes

Main article: Ornithology

The order Gaviiformes is made up of the aquatic birds called loons. There are 5 living species of loon, two of which are on the 2020 Science Olympiad bird list. Loons are about the size of large ducks, and similarly to ducks, have webbed feet. Unlike ducks, loons' bellies are submerged while swimming. Although male loons are larger in size, both males and females have similar plumage. Loons mainly eat fish and crustaceans, feeding by stabbing their prey with their pointy beak. The young are one of the few groups of birds that molt into a second set of downy feathers after shedding the first coat rather than growing juvenile feathers with downy tips. In past years the red-throated loon required a call (found here), but in the 2020 season the common loon's call was required.

Loons (Gaviidae)

Red-throated Loon Species Gavia stellata Habitat Lakes or ponds Diet Fish Conservation Least concern

Common Loon Species Gavia immer Habitat Lakes and ponds Diet Fish, with some other aqautic animals Call Link Conservation Least concern