In general knowledge about national symbols, what type of bird is depicted on the Canadian 1 dollar coin, commonly known as the “loonie”?

Introduction / Context:
National currencies often feature important symbols of a country natural heritage, culture, or history. The Canadian 1 dollar coin is widely known by the nickname loonie, which comes from the bird depicted on one side of the coin. This question tests your awareness of a simple but popular piece of world general knowledge related to currency symbolism.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The coin in question is the Canadian 1 dollar coin.
• This coin is popularly nicknamed the loonie.
• We must identify the type of bird shown on the coin.
• Options include common loon, bald eagle, Canada goose, and Atlantic puffin.

Concept / Approach:
The nickname loonie comes from the image of a common loon, a water bird native to Canada, depicted on the reverse side of the Canadian 1 dollar coin. The loon is an iconic bird known for its haunting calls and association with northern lakes. The bald eagle is more closely associated with the United States, the Canada goose is another well known Canadian bird but is not on this coin, and the puffin is associated with coastal regions elsewhere. Therefore, the bird on the Canadian 1 dollar coin is the common loon.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the Canadian 1 dollar coin is commonly called a loonie because of the bird on it. Step 2: Recognise that the term loon refers to a specific type of aquatic bird, the common loon, which is common on Canadian lakes. Step 3: Understand that the bald eagle is a national symbol of the United States, appearing on US emblems and medals, not on the Canadian 1 dollar coin. Step 4: Canada goose is indeed a Canadian bird but is not the one featured on the loonie; it appears in other contexts. Step 5: Atlantic puffin is a seabird from northern Atlantic coasts, again not the subject of this particular coin design. Step 6: Therefore, the bird on the Canadian 1 dollar coin must be the common loon.

Verification / Alternative check:
Images of the Canadian 1 dollar coin show a loon swimming on a lake, and official descriptions confirm that it is the common loon. The coin design was introduced in the 1980s and immediately led to the popular nickname loonie for both the coin and, informally, for the Canadian dollar itself. This clear and widely known association between the coin and the loon confirms that common loon is the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Bald eagle: Symbol of the United States, appears on US seals and coins, not on the Canadian loonie.
• Canada goose: Well known Canadian bird but not the one on the 1 dollar coin.
• Atlantic puffin: A colourful seabird found in parts of the North Atlantic but not depicted on the Canadian 1 dollar coin.

Common Pitfalls:
Because the name Canada goose contains the word Canada, some learners mistakenly assume that this bird must appear on Canadian coins. Others may not connect the nickname loonie with the loon bird. To avoid such confusion, remember that the loonie is named after the loon, specifically the common loon, and that this bird forms a key part of the coin design and the popular identity of the Canadian dollar.

Final Answer:
The bird on the Canadian 1 dollar coin is the common loon.