Born for the water, chicks of the Great Northern Loon—also known as the Common Loon and Great Northern Diver—are able to swim within hours of hatching. One of the rare birds to have no hollow bones, they are less buoyant than other waterfowl, facilitating their diving and underwater fishing. Their legs sit far back on their bodies for more powerful swimming, and like a torpedo, they shoot through the water in pursuit of pan fish. A typical family of four—a mated pair with two chicks— will eat about a half ton of fish in a 15-week period.

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