6. Great Northern Loon
Death & Serious Injury
The five types of Gaviiformes – commonly known as loons – are among Earth’s most primitive avian species, dating back to the earliest stages of bird evolution. Loons nest near lakes in the temperate forest, boreal forest and arctic tundra landscapes in Northern Eurasia and North America. In the winter, loons fly south a short way to spend the winter on sheltered bays across the Northern Hemisphere. These 8-12 pound birds possess razor sharp, pointed bills which they use to spear their fish prey.
Lake pollution has caused declines in loon populations, prompting avian scientists to place bands on the bird’s legs to track their movements. In one unfortunate case, an ornithologist was mistaken for a predator by the loon he was banding. The defensive bird plunged its sharpened bill, dagger fashion, through the ribcage and into the heart of the researcher, killing him instantly.
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