American Toad vs Common Loon

Anaxyrus americanus compared with Gavia immer

Key Differences

• American Toad is Least Concern while Common Loon is Not Evaluated.

Taxonomic Classification

Rank	American Toad	Common Loon
Kingdom same	Animalia (Animals)	Animalia (Animals)
Phylum same	Chordata (Chordates)	Chordata (Chordates)
Class	Amphibia (Amphibians)	Aves (Birds)
Order	Anura (Frogs & Toads)	Gaviiformes (Gaviiformes)
Family	Bufonidae	Gaviidae
Genus	Anaxyrus	Gavia
Species	Anaxyrus americanus	Gavia immer

Evolutionary Relationship

American Toad and Common Loon share a common ancestor at the Phylum level: Chordata. (Chordates)

Conservation Status

American Toad

LC — Least Concern

Common Loon

NE — Not Evaluated

Physical Characteristics

Attribute	American Toad	Common Loon
Diet	—	—
Average Lifespan	—	—
Average Length	—	—
Average Weight	—	—

Habitat & Geographic Range

American Toad

Habitat

Typically found in freshwater habitats, moist forests, and wetlands.

Range

Found in United States.

Common Loon

Habitat

Typically found in various aerial, terrestrial, and aquatic environments.

Range

Distributed across Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and United States.

American Toad

The American Toad (Anaxyrus americanus) is a species in the genus Anaxyrus. It is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Typically found in freshwater habitats, moist forests, and wetlands.

Common Loon

<em>Gavia immer</em>, the common loon or great northern diver, is a large aquatic bird in the family Gaviidae, known for its haunting, yodeling calls across northern lakes. It is found in Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and the United States, breeding on freshwater lakes in boreal and subarctic regions and wintering along marine coastlines. The common loon is adept in aerial, terrestrial, and aquatic environments, though it is most highly specialized for diving, using its strong feet positioned far back on its body to pursue fish underwater. It typically feeds on fish, supplemented by crustaceans and aquatic invertebrates. Its striking summer plumage features a black-and-white checkered back and a deep black head with a characteristic white necklace pattern. The species has not been evaluated for IUCN conservation status. Common loons require clear, fish-rich lakes for successful breeding and are sensitive to water quality degradation and human disturbance at nesting sites. Their distinctive calls are emblematic of wilderness in North America and Scandinavia.

Shared Countries

Both species can be found in 1 countries:

🇺🇸 United States