Arctic Loon

Adventure step • Meet the species

Overview

The Arctic Loon (known as Black-throated Diver in Europe) is a majestic waterbird surrounded by mystique and natural beauty. With its elegant black-and-white plumage and distinctive red eye, the Arctic Loon is one of the most charismatic birds of the Nordic wilderness. During summer, the head and neck are adorned with characteristic grey plumage, while the back is covered with a checkerboard pattern of black and white. The Arctic Loon is perfectly adapted for aquatic life with its legs positioned far back on the body, making it an unbeatable swimmer and diver, but nearly helpless on land. This fascinating bird breeds on clear, fish-rich lakes in the Nordic forest region and tundra. The Arctic Loon is a skilled fisher that can dive to depths of 40 meters and stay underwater for up to two minutes. It hunts mainly fish such as perch, roach, and pike, but also takes crustaceans and insects when opportunity arises. During hunting, the Arctic Loon uses its sharp vision to scan for prey below the water surface, and once a target is spotted, it dives quickly and powerfully. The Arctic Loon's call is iconic and has inspired many Nordic tales and stories. The wailing, almost human-like cry that echoes across the water on summer nights has been described as one of nature's most magical sounds. The bird has an entire repertoire of calls – from the ghostly yodel to the long, mournful cry that can be heard kilometers away. These calls are used to mark territory, communicate with mates, and warn of dangers. The Arctic Loon is a migratory bird that spends winter along the coasts of the North Sea, Baltic Sea, and as far south as the Mediterranean. During migration they sometimes gather in small flocks, but in breeding areas they are strictly territorial. A pair of Arctic Loons may defend a territory of up to 100 hectares of water. The species is sensitive to human disturbance during breeding season, and boat wakes can destroy nests located near the waterline.