Common Loon Questions

pdenouden · **Posted:** Apr 22 1:39 pm

At this time of year when I already see a number of Loons in breeding colours can I take the one pictured to be a first summer bird?

And question #2 - I have never seen Loons together in anything larger than family groups, but today saw 9 birds like the one above moving down Malaspina Strait in front of Powell River as a group. Is this normal?

Thanks!

pdenouden · **Posted:** Apr 26 4:25 pm

Lots of views, but no help with this one ??

Anyone?

revs · **Posted:** Apr 26 4:37 pm

I'm no expert on this matter and was waiting for someone else to help you Paul but from what i understand, juvenile Common loons have "whitish scalloping on their scapulars, distinguishing them from the plainer-backed winter adults" (NatGeo NA guide).

Your bird looks a lot like a winter adult but am only speculating.

I don't see why they wouldn't migrate in groups of the same species but again, i don't know.

Would like to know though

RickWright · **Posted:** Apr 26 5:29 pm

Common Loons often migrate in loosely spaced flocks; there are reports (BNA) of "thousands" of birds flying together like that, though I don't think I've ever seen more than a couple dozen.

The first pre-alternate molt produces unscalloped upperparts; that molt begins as early as January. I don't have anything like enough experience with this species to know what age your bird is.

Great questions!
rick

pdenouden · **Posted:** Apr 27 9:49 am

Thank you Paul and Rick. I have seen so many "breeders" already this spring that I thought the moult might be complete, but I guess it's reasonable to call this a winter adult.

Common Loon Questions

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