The national honor bestowed upon the official state bird of Minnesota earlier this month confirms what Minnesotans already know well — just how special the loon is. The common loon is known for its ...

Minnesota’s state bird is everywhere: There are loons on license plates and library cards, at lottery counters, and now even on the official state seal. Fireplace mantels across the state sport carved ...

… but our independent journalism isn’t free to produce. Help us keep it this way with a tax-deductible donation today. A migratory diver of the loon family, the common loon (Gavia immer) has been ...

Achieving takeoff requires a clear aquatic runway measuring nearly 1 football field in length. The 12-pound weight and specific foot placement make terrestrial movement almost impossible.