The Common Loon is Minnesota’s state bird. They’re basically built for water, with their legs positioned far back. Webbed feet also allow them to make abrupt 180-degree turns underwater while chasing a fish. Loons also have heavier, more dense bones than most other birds, allowing them to dive more easily. In fact, they have been known to dive down to 200 feet. One concern is that, because they tend to swallow pebbles, they occasionally swallow lead fishing sinkers, leading to lead poisoning and death.