The common loon (Gavia immer) is a fascinating waterbird found across Canada and the northern United States. Loons are known for their striking black and white plumage and their eerie, wavering calls that echo across lakes and ponds. One of the most distinctive features of the common loon is its varied vocalizations. Loons utilize a complex repertoire of vocalizations to communicate with other loons and defend their territory. There are four major types of vocalizations, or “calls”, used by the common loon: the wail, the yodel, the tremulant, and the hoot.
The Wail
The most familiar and iconic call of the common loon is the wail, or “laughing” call. This is a long, drawn-out call that starts low and rises up in pitch at the end. It is commonly represented as “A-oooh” or “Aaah-oooh”. The wail is used by loons communicating with each other over medium to long distances. It can carry for several kilometers across open water. Both male and female loons give the wail call, and it is one of the most common vocalizations heard. Loons may wail back and forth to each other to communicate their location, defend territory, or summon their mate or offspring.
When Do Loons Wail?
The wailing call may be heard any time of the day or night. However, it is most common at dawn and dusk when loons are particularly active. The haunting wail echoing across a misty lake in the dim light perfectly encapsulates the wilderness. Loons will also wail aggressively to proclaim their territorial boundaries against intruders or competing loons.
Other Names for the Wail Call
The loon’s wail goes by many colloquial names due to its distinctive sound and frequent occurrence. Some other common names for the call include:
- Laughing call
- Tremolo call
- Ha-oo-oo-woo call
- Song of the night
The Yodel
The yodel is a shorter, more rapid call that goes “oo-oo-oo-oo-et”. It is given as a territorial display, often when a loon feels threatened by an intruder or predator. The male will puff up his plumage and rapidly give the yodel call back and forth, a display of aggression towards the perceived threat. Yodeling occurs more frequently early in the breeding season as loons compete for the best territory and nesting sites. It is one of the most complex vocalizations in the animal kingdom.
Yodeling as Communication
The yodel serves several communication functions for loons:
- Defends nesting territory
- Discourages intruders
- Impresses and attracts females
- Identifies the male to his mate and chicks
The yodel says “Keep out!” to unwanted guests and “Check me out!” to potential mates.
The Tremulant Call
The tremulant call, sometimes referred to as the wail-call, has a quavering, vibrating quality. It typically consists of two to six syllables with a distinctive vibrato tremor. This eerie call has an almost otherworldly quality. The tremolo serves a purpose similar to the wail of communicating and maintaining contact over distances. Loons may also tremolo when disturbed or anxious.
How the Tremulant Call Works
The wavering quality of the tremolo results from very rapid changes in air pressure created by the loon vocalizing while simultaneously opening and closing its bill very quickly. This physological mechanism allows the sound to carry much farther than vocalizations without tremolo. The tremolo call can travel nearly 8 kilometers across a calm lake!
The Hoot Call
The hoot is the shortest and simplest vocalization in the common loon’s repertoire. It consists of a single low-pitched “hooo” sound, typically only 100-200 milliseconds in duration. The hoot serves as a basic contact call between mated pairs and family groups. The male may use the hoot to locate his mate after a visual separation. Meanwhile, the female often hoots to summon her chicks. Hoots are commonly heard as loons reunite and congregate.
Identifying Loons by Voice
Since each loon has distinctive vocalizations, researchers and birders can often identify individual loons by sound alone. The unique pitch, tone, and frequency of their calls allows certain loons to be recognized after sustained observation.
Conclusion
The common loon is a master of vocal communication. Its four major calls, the wail, yodel, tremolo, and hoot, allow loons to defend territories, find mates, locate each other, and warn of threats across distances. These beautiful waterbirds fill northern lakes with their haunting cries that both fascinate and chill the listener. The calls of the loon are an iconic sound of the wilderness that have captivated people for centuries.
Call Type | Description | Purpose |
---|---|---|
Wail | Long, drawn-out call; starts low and rises in pitch | Communicate over distance, identify location, territorial defense |
Yodel | Rapid repetition of rising and falling notes | Territorial defense, ward off intruders |
Tremulant | Wavering, vibrating call | Long distance contact, alarm |
Hoot | Single, short, low-pitched call | Contact call, locate mate/young |
Fun Facts about Loon Calls
- Loons begin calling as early as 5 months old as they learn vocalizations from their parents.
- Males and females perform duets of coordinated wailing and yodeling during mating.
- Loon chicks beg for food from parents with a series of soft hoots.
- The wail call can be heard up to 5 kilometers away on calm nights.
- Loons yodel more frequently early in breeding season to establish territories.
- Researchers have identified over 11 distinct sounds used by common loons.
- Loons produce different warning calls for terrestrial vs. flying predators.
- Their bones are solid rather than air-filled like other birds, helping transmit vocalizations.
- Lakes with good loon habitat may host up to 12 breeding pairs per square kilometer.
- Loon calls are most frequent and noisy between May and August breeding season.
Threats Facing Loon Populations
Unfortunately, common loon populations are facing a number of serious threats and have declined in portions of their range. Conservation efforts focused on protecting loons aim to preserve these magical sounds of nature for future generations.
Habitat Loss
Loons require clean, quiet lakes and rivers to thrive. Habitat degradation from pollution, motorboat traffic, and development pressures loons and causes abandonment of nesting areas. Protecting pristine lake habitats is crucial.
Lead Poisoning
Loons scavenge on fish caught and rejected by anglers. Lead sinkers and jigs are mistaken for pebbles loons swallow to aid digestion. Lead poisoning from tackle is a major cause of mortality.
Climate Change
Loons nest along shorelines that are threatened by flooding and erosion as precipitation patterns change. Longer summers may increase nest predators and botulism outbreaks.
Mortality from Fishing Gear
Loons become entangled in fishing lines, ropes, and nets leading to drowning. Responsible fishing practices and removal of old gear helps reduce this threat.
How You Can Help Loons
Here are some ways you can help protect loons and preserve their magical voices:
- Avoid using lead tackle and teach others about the dangers of lead to wildlife.
- Be mindful of loons when boating, give them plenty of space.
- Make sure fishing line and other equipment is disposed of properly.
- Reduce shoreline disturbance and retain natural vegetation around lakes.
- Support measures to reduce emissions and curb climate change.
- Report injured or dead loons to wildlife agencies.
- Contribute to organizations that monitor and study loon populations.
- Engage with local conservation groups that protect critical loon habitats.
The calls of the wild loon represent the essence of nature’s beauty for many across the northern regions where loons reside. Ensuring these cries continue to echo over clear lakes for centuries to come will require vigilance. An invested public engaged in conservation efforts gives hope that the loon’s ancient ritual of calling across the waters will persist.