LOONS 





(9) Qavia arctica 



(Linn.) (Lat. Arctic). 



BLACK-THROATED LOON. 



Ad. in sHvimcr — Bill black. Iris red. 

 Plumage as shown; the gray crown 

 and smaller size easily distinguish it 

 from the common Loon, and the other 

 markings are quite different too. In 

 winter — Blackish above and white 

 below. L., 28.00; W., 12.00; Tar., 

 2.60; B., z.oo. Nest — A depression 

 in the ground within a few feet of the 

 water. Eggs — Two, grayish-brown 

 with a few black markings, 3.10 x 

 2.00. 



Range — More northerlj' distrib- 

 uted than the common Loon. Rare- 

 ly seen in the United States. Breeds 

 along the Arctic coast. Winters 

 casually south to northern United 

 States. 



defence or offence; consequently they prefer rush-gro\vn 

 sloughs, ponds or mud holes, where they can easily hide. 

 Loons are very powerful, fully able to cope with any enemy 

 except man. They hke large open bodies of water where 

 they may have plenty of room for enjoyment. 



Like grebes, they are almost helpless as far as traveling on 

 land is concerned. Nor can they take flight from the water 

 without considerable space ahead for gaining speed by 

 pattering along the surface with their feet. Their iiight is 

 very swift and straight when they do get into the air. When 

 two or more males are on the same lake, especially in spring, 

 they often indulge in friendly speed contests, each trying to 

 outdo the other in running over the water. 



The cry of the loon is one of the most weird sounds in 

 nature — a very loud, mournful wail ending in a quavering 

 laugh. It is comparable only to the distant howl of a wolf 

 or the scream of the Great Horned Owl. 



During June, two elongated, dark olive-brown, black- 



24 



