Loons are captivating aquatic birds recognized for their striking appearance and distinctive calls that echo across northern lakes. These birds, with their sleek bodies and specialized diving abilities, spend much of their lives on water. A common question arises about their seasonal movements: do these iconic birds migrate?
The Seasonal Journey of Loons
Loons do indeed migrate, undertaking extensive journeys between their summer breeding grounds and wintering habitats. During the warmer months, loons inhabit freshwater lakes across northern North America, including Canada and the northern United States. They also breed in southern Greenland and Iceland. These lakes provide the clear water and abundant fish necessary for raising their young.
As fall approaches, between late August and November, loons depart their breeding lakes for coastal marine waters. They primarily winter along the Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf of Mexico coasts of North America. Some individuals may also overwinter on large, ice-free inland lakes and reservoirs. Spring migration, when loons return north to their breeding grounds, occurs between March and June, often arriving as soon as the ice melts.
The distance of their migration varies, with some loons traveling over 3,000 miles, while others undertake shorter journeys. Individual loons exhibit high site fidelity, returning to the same breeding lake year after year.
Driving Forces Behind Their Migration
The primary reason for loon migration is the freezing of their freshwater breeding lakes in winter. These northern lakes, which provide their main food source of fish, become inaccessible once ice forms. This forces loons to seek out unfrozen bodies of water where food remains plentiful. Coastal marine environments offer a reliable source of fish and other aquatic prey throughout the winter.
Loons are highly adapted for aquatic life, with dense bones and legs positioned far back on their bodies, making them exceptional divers but awkward on land. This physical design means they depend entirely on open water for hunting and takeoff, reinforcing the need to move to ice-free areas. Beyond food availability, an instinctual drive compels loons to return to their breeding territories each spring. They are highly territorial during the breeding season, requiring undisturbed shorelines for nesting and raising their chicks.
Navigating the Migratory Path
Loons are strong, direct flyers, capable of speeds up to 75 miles per hour during migration. Despite their aquatic adaptations, they require a significant “runway” of open water to gain enough momentum for takeoff. Once airborne, their heavy bodies and relatively small wings mean they must continuously flap their wings, as they cannot soar like many other migratory birds.
Loons migrate by day, either singly or in small groups, though large numbers may congregate at staging areas on significant inland lakes to rest and refuel. While the exact mechanisms of their navigation are not fully understood, they are believed to rely on visual landmarks. They may also use other cues, such as the Earth’s magnetic field or celestial navigation, particularly when traveling at night. Challenges during these long journeys can include adverse weather conditions and the sheer energy expenditure required for continuous flight.