Feeding and Chick Rearing Areas of Common Loons

Authors

P. I.V. Strong
John A. Bissonette, Utah State UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Journal of Wildlife Management

Volume

53

Publication Date

1989

First Page

72

Last Page

76

Abstract

We characterized the feeding and chick-rearing areas used by 16 resident pairs of common loons (Gavia immer) on 3 large lakes in Maine. Adults preferred water depths of 1.1-2.0 m and avoided depths >3 m for feeding in most breeding territories. Chicks were kept in shallow water areas (<2 m) close to shore (<150 m). Deep water areas (>3 m) distant from shore were avoided by chicks and adults. We suggest that near-shore recreation may be more detrimental to loons than man's activities in deep, open water.

Recommended Citation

Strong, P. I. V., and J. A. Bissonette. 1989. Feeding and chick rearing areas of common loons. J. Wildlife Management 53:72-76