from the rspb
Dear Ian, thanks for your enquiry.
The yellow billed loon is not a member of the crow family, but a member
of the gaviidae (or loon) family. All living species of loons are
members of one genus, Gavia, family, Gaviidae, and order Gaviiformes,
all of their own. These birds are water birds who catch their food by
diving for it in ponds, lakes and rivers.
The only member of the crow family (corvidae) with a yellow bill is the
alpine chough (Pyrrhocorax graculus). It is closely related to the
red-billed chough (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax) and shares its glossy black
plumage and red legs. They are found in the highest mountains of
southern Europe, the Alps, across central Asia and India.
Please don't hesitate to
contact me again if I can be of further assistance.
Regards
Lee Hollingsworth
Wildlife Adviser
RSPB UK
The Lodge,
Sandy,
Beds,
England
SG19 2DL
01767 693690
Email:
lee.hollingsworth@rspb.org.ukwww.rspb.org.uk