Gaviiformes Ciara mergler

Loons and divers Aquatic Many part of North America and Northern Eurasia Five species Yellow-billed loon Red-throated loon Black-throated loon Pacific loon Common loon

Can dive up to 250 ft (75 m) Decrease buoyancy with solid bones, and by compressing air from their lungs, feathers, and internal air sacs Strong, webbed feet Legs are set far back Cannot walk on land very well

Dense plumage Small pointed wings Pinlike tail Fly pretty well, but need a large stretch of water for take off and landing Eat mainly fish, crustaceans, and insects

Ritualized courtship including synchronized diving Mate for life Nest at the water’s edge Parents share incubation Chick hatch in 30 days and enter the water as soon as their down dries Begin finding food on their own after the first week Develop flight feathers around eleven weeks

Corvidae

Includes the crows, ravens, rooks, jackdaws, jays, magpies, treepies, choughs, and nutcrackers Over 120 described species Global distribution, excluding arctic and Antarctic

Most have mainly black plumage Medium to large in size, robust build, large wingspan Strong feet and bills Bristles around bill Molt once a year Very adaptable Omnivorous

Complex courtship ritual Many mate for life Some nest communally Some use cooperative breeding Females typically incubate eggs, but both parents feed and care for chicks Altricial young Young remain in nest for 6-10 weeks

Highly intelligent and social Have demonstrated self-awareness and tool- making abilities Brain-to-body mass ratio is equal to non- human great apes, and only slightly lower than humans Known to play games and mimic other animals’ behaviors