The loons (e.g. North America) or divers (e.g. UK/Ireland) are a group of aquatic birds found in many parts of North America and northern Europe. A loon is the size of a large duck or small goose, which it somewhat resembles in shape when swimming. The plumage is largely black-and-white, with grey on the head and neck in some species, and a white belly, and all species have a spear-shaped bill. All living species of loons are members of one genus (GaviaEtymology: gavia, Latin for smew - a quite unrelated species that also happens to be a black-and-white marine fishing bird. It is not likely that the Ancient Romans had much knowledge of loons, as these are limited to more northern latitudes. in a family (Gaviidae), and order (Gaviiformes) all of their own. The European name "diver" comes from the bird's habit of catching fish by swimming calmly al

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