Order Gaviiformes
Gaviiformes is an order of large aquatic birds (living on and near water). The name of the order comes from a Latin word meaning "sea bird". Birds of this order are rather primitive in design and are thought to have developed very early in the history of birds. The order includes some species which are now extinct.
The members of this order still living today are in the family Gaviidae, which is the Loon family. Birds of this order feed on fish, and are excellent swimmers. When they dive, they can stay under water for a very long time, swimming long distances before coming up for air.
In this order, the legs of the birds are right at the back of the body. This seems to make balancing difficult. When they are walking on land, they waddle very awkwardly.
[LH] {BI}