Common Loon

Gavia immer Oct–May

A large bird known for its eye-catching black-and-white plumage during the breeding season, it is much plainer in the winter months, having gray feathers on top and white below. The latter coloring is the one that is more often seen in Rhode Island as this bird breeds further north, in areas such as Maine, Canada, and even Alaska. They have red eyes and thick bills, which are used in catching fish, and have many adaptations that allow them to thrive underwater. Loons are expert swimmers with large webbed feet located near the rear of the body, giving them speed in addition to the ability to change direction quickly. However they are ungainly on land and only leave the water to mate and incubate eggs.