Canadian wildlife · Drawing 13 of 40
Common Loon
Beside fresh water
The common loon swims on lakes and dives to catch fish. In summer, an adult has black-and-white feathers with bold, contrasting patterns on its body.
Did you know?
A chick can rest on its parent’s back.
Look together
Where has the chick settled?
An idea to try
Create a pattern using large black and white squares.
For the adult reading along
A little more to discover
Scientific name: Gavia immer. Where it lives: Lakes across much of Canada in summer; coasts in winter. What it eats: Mostly fish and other aquatic animals. Its webbed feet propel it underwater. The nest is close to the water’s edge, allowing chicks to reach the lake soon after hatching.
Look together: Where has the chick settled? Create a pattern using large black and white squares.
Sources and illustration notes (1)
Simplified drawing for colouring. Coat, feather or skin markings are left white so children can choose their colours. Proportions and details are not a scientific identification plate.
These links lead to other websites. Explore them with an adult. Source titles appear in their original language; some linked pages are in French.
- Hinterland Who’s Who — LoonsCommon loon plumage, swimming, chicks riding backs, nesting and seasonal range.
Source review: 2026-09-30. Illustrations are simplified for colouring.
