ADAPTATIONS

- for swimming and diving :
• excellent underwater vision to catch fish
• (camouflage) black and white checkered pattern makes it harder to spot a loon in water
• streamlined body, holds wings close to body
• large webbed feet are placed far back
• many solid bones (other birds have hollow bones) that help it to dive
• air sacs in body allow loon to float, sink and dive below the surface

  by inhaling air, the loon can float on the water
  by exhaling air, the loon sinks lower in the water so it cannot be seen

  - migrates for winter to warmer places along the coast

PROTECTION / DEFENCE

• sleeps in deeper waters, away from land to stay away from predators
• dives underwater to escape
• uses bill for stabbing
• splashes the water with its wings and kicks its feet quickly to warn intruders to stay away.
• The loon defends its territory and chicks by doing a penguin dance. The loon tucks its wings against its body and "runs" upright on the water trying to look larger. With the wings tucked in close to its black and white body, the loon looks like a penguin