Are loons closer relatives to penguins than to ducks?

Yes.

The common loon, Minnesota’s state bird, is more closely related to a penguin than a duck.

Despite loons predominantly living in the northern hemisphere and penguins mostly living in the southern hemisphere, researchers consider them to be genetic cousins. Taxonomic analyses placed them in an evolutionary cluster tracing back 40 million to 50 million years ago, along with herons and pelicans. 

While loons and ducks share habitat on Minnesota lakes, they aren’t close relatives. Ducks are closer cousins to geese and swans. 

After sharing a common ancestor, penguins and loons developed distinct characteristics. Loons can fly, but struggle to move on land; penguins can’t fly, but waddle on land. Penguins use flipper-like wings to swim; loons use webbed feet for underwater propulsion.

They have some similar features, however, including dense bones to help dive underwater and their tuxedo coloring.

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Sources

• Wisconsin Public Radio Fascinating Facts About Loons From A Biologist Who’s Studied Them For Decades
• National Loon Center Ask the Scientist
• The Loon Project Are Loons Ancient?

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