AVIS-IBIS

Birds of Indian Subcontinent

Local Movements of Color-Marked Common Loons

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1997
Authors:Piper, WH, Paruk, JD, Evers, DC, Meyer, MW, Tischler, KB, Klich, M, Hartigan, JJ
Journal:The Journal of Wildlife Management
Volume:61
Issue:4
Date Published:1997
ISBN Number:0022541X
Keywords:Gavia, Gavia immer, Gaviidae
Abstract:We studied movement of color-marked common loons (Gavia immer) among small lakes (4-349 ha) in northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to determine the frequency, timing, and ecological causes of multiple-lake usage. Most instances of multiple-lake usage fell into 1 of 5 categories: (1) territorial defense of 2 or more lakes by a breeding pair, (2) post-reproductive wandering, (3) territorial shifts prior to breeding, (4) dispersal of displaced breeders, or (5) long-distance movements by young birds. Overall, distances moved by adult loons between lakes were shorter than expected. The frequency of such movements might indicate reconnaissance for new territories, consistent with the frequent territorial takeover observed in this species. Regular use by loons of small clusters of lakes suggests that a management strategy that preserves only small, isolated breeding lakes might be inadequate to sustain nesting pairs and also might hamper natural dispersal between lakes.
URL:http://www.jstor.org/stable/3802124
Short Title:The Journal of Wildlife Management
Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith