What is the difference between great northern loon and common loon?

The great northern loon and the common loon are two closely related species of loons that are found in North America. While they are similar in appearance and behavior, there are a few key differences between the two species.

Size: The great northern loon is the larger of the two species, with adults typically measuring between 28 and 36 inches in length and weighing between 10 and 15 pounds. The common loon, on the other hand, is typically between 24 and 30 inches long and weighs between 8 and 12 pounds.

Wingspan: The great northern loon also has a longer wingspan than the common loon, with adults typically measuring between 48 and 54 inches across the wings. The common loon's wingspan typically ranges from 40 to 48 inches.

Bill: The bill of the great northern loon is longer and more slender than the bill of the common loon. The great northern loon's bill is typically between 2.5 and 3 inches long, while the common loon's bill is typically between 2 and 2.5 inches long.

Voice: The great northern loon has a higher-pitched call than the common loon. The great northern loon's call is a loud, yodeling sound that can be heard for miles. The common loon's call is a lower-pitched, hooting sound that is not as loud as the great northern loon's call.

Habitat: The great northern loon is found in a variety of habitats, including lakes, rivers, and oceans. The common loon, on the other hand, is primarily found in lakes and rivers, and does not typically venture out to sea.

Diet: Both the great northern loon and the common loon are piscivores, meaning that their diet consists primarily of fish. However, the great northern loon is known to eat a wider variety of fish than the common loon.

Breeding: Both the great northern loon and the common loon are monogamous, and they typically mate for life. They build their nests near the water's edge, and both parents incubate the eggs and care for the young.

Migration: Both the great northern loon and the common loon are migratory birds. The great northern loon migrates from its breeding grounds in Canada and Alaska to wintering grounds in the southern United States and Mexico. The common loon migrates from its breeding grounds in Canada and the northern United States to wintering grounds in the southern United States and the Caribbean.