Winter behavior of the common loon

Loon (Gavia immer) Science Article 4

abstract

A 2-yr study was conducted on the winter behavior of the Common Loon (Gavia immer) at Weekapaug, Rhode Island. Behavior of loons was assessed by recording the type of activity every 60 s for a 5-min period. Activity budgets showed an increase in the amount of time spent feeding from 23% in 1987 to 38% in 1992, possibly due to a decline in prey abundance. In addition, Common Loons spent more time in shallower waters in 1991 and 1992 versus 1987, which may reflect increases in time needed to find prey. Common Loon behavior was not correlated with water depth or time of day. No territorial behavior was observed.

Thomas B. ford and Jennifer A. Gieg, J. Field Ornithol., 66(1):22-29

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