Bird Gallery Index

Common Loon image © Wayne Nicholas

Family: (Gaviidae) Loons

Preferred Habitat: Coastal waters and large lakes.

Seasonal Occurrence: Uncommon October through April

Notes: Of the various loon species, Common Loons are the most likely to be seen on the Upper Texas Coast. Loons require large bodies of water and like grebes need a long stretch of water to take off. Sometimes in foggy or wet conditions, they may land on a parking lot or highway and be unable to take flight. Common Loons undergo a mid-winter molt when they lose almost all their wing feathers and for a few weeks are unable to fly. This photo of a Common Loon was taken in February, 2006 at Galveston State Park.
- Susan Billetdeaux