Feeding and Chick Rearing Areas of Common Loons
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
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