common loon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "common loon" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a specific species of bird known for its distinctive calls and diving abilities, often found in North America. Example: "While kayaking on the lake, we spotted a common loon gracefully diving for fish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

"Common loon".

The New York Times

The common loon is the official state bird.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That would be the common loon -- the ones on the water, not running in circles around it.

The New York Times

The crest's main focus is the common loon, the official state bird of Minnesota, of which there are approximately 12,000 who call this state their summer home.

The Guardian - Sport

An illustration of how profound these changes would be is the plight of the common loon (Gavia immer), known for its haunting call.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(Oddly, Canada doesn't have a national bird, though its citizens are voting on one now: some of the nominations include the common loon, the gray jay, and, naturally, the Canada goose).

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Recently thousands of waterfowl, including common loons, died in the Buffalo region of avian botulism.

The New York Times

Studies of common loons have shown how mercury can affect behavior.

The New York Times - Science

More than 8,000 common loons have been killed by the botulism, and the species is already in peril from overdevelopment.

The New York Times - Science

A puzzling outbreak of botulism along Lake Erie has killed about 8,000 water birds, including perhaps a thousand common loons, state environmental officials said today.

The New York Times

Water birds like common loons that feed primarily on freshwater fish had also been contaminated; the toxin attacked the nervous system, making them act strangely.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

If you're writing for a general audience and need to clarify the meaning of the word "loon", consider using the full phrase "common loon" on first mention.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "common loon" with other types of loons, such as the red-throated loon or the Pacific loon. Always specify "common loon" when that is the specific species you are referencing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "common loon" primarily functions as a noun phrase, specifically identifying a particular species of bird. Ludwig AI, based on its analysis, confirms its use in naming and describing this bird. The examples provided showcase its use in various contexts, from scientific articles to news reports.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

21%

Science

21%

Less common in

Wiki

16%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "common loon" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase to describe a specific bird species, also known as the great northern diver. Ludwig AI confirms its accuracy and usability across various contexts. It appears most commonly in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Science, indicating a neutral formality level. While "loon" can be used as a shortened version, using "common loon" initially provides clarity. Related phrases include "great northern diver" and its scientific name, Gavia immer. When writing about the "common loon", consider your audience, and avoid confusion with other loon species by specifying "common loon" when necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

great northern diver

A synonym for common loon, primarily used in British English.

Gavia immer

The scientific name for the common loon.

loon

A shortened, informal version of common loon.

North American loon

Emphasizes the geographical location of the loon.

great northern loon

An alternative name emphasizing the loon's northern habitat.

black and white waterfowl

Describes the loon by its distinctive coloring and habitat.

diving bird of northern lakes

Refers to loon describing the loon's habitat and behaviour.

aquatic bird with haunting call

Describes the loon referring to the loon's song and habitat.

iconic Minnesota bird

Highlights the loon's association with the state of Minnesota.

piscivorous bird of North America

Refers to a loon describing the bird's diet and habitat.

FAQs

How can I use "common loon" in a sentence?

You can use "common loon" in sentences like: "The haunting call of the "common loon" echoed across the lake" or "The "common loon" is the state bird of Minnesota".

What is another name for "common loon"?

Another name for the "common loon" is "great northern diver", which is more commonly used in British English.

Is it correct to simply say "loon" instead of "common loon"?

While "loon" is often used as a shortened version of "common loon", it's best to use the full phrase "common loon" initially for clarity, especially if the audience may not be familiar with the term. After that, you can refer to it as just "loon".

What is the scientific name for the "common loon"?

The scientific name for the "common loon" is "Gavia immer".