Common Loon vs Irrawaddy dolphin

Gavia immer compared with Orcaella brevirostris

Key Differences

• Common Loon is Not Evaluated while Irrawaddy dolphin is Endangered.

Taxonomic Classification

Rank	Common Loon	Irrawaddy dolphin
Kingdom same	Animalia (Animals)	Animalia (Animals)
Phylum same	Chordata (Chordates)	Chordata (Chordates)
Class	Aves (Birds)	Mammalia (Mammals)
Order	Gaviiformes (Gaviiformes)	Cetacea (Whales & Dolphins)
Family	Gaviidae	Delphinidae (Oceanic Dolphins)
Genus	Gavia	Orcaella
Species	Gavia immer	Orcaella brevirostris

Evolutionary Relationship

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

Conservation Status

Common Loon

NE — Not Evaluated

Irrawaddy dolphin

EN — Endangered

Physical Characteristics

Attribute	Common Loon	Irrawaddy dolphin
Diet	—	—
Average Lifespan	—	—
Average Length	—	—
Average Weight	—	—

Habitat & Geographic Range

Common Loon

Habitat

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

Range

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

Irrawaddy dolphin

Habitat

Typically found in diverse terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

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.