In the world there are five species of loons and four can be regularly found in the United States: Common, Red-throated, Pacific, and Yellow-billed. The Arctic is a rare visitor to the USA. Loons are found throughout the northern Hemisphere, and they gather their food by diving and chasing fish which they grab with their sharp long beak.

Twenty seven species of grebes are distributed throughout the world with seven species found in the United States. They are similar to loons in that they dive underwater for their food, which they catch with their beak. The grebes are found in more diverse habitats than loons.