Why loons call

The amplitude and pitch of the sound vary with regards to the species and gender of the loon. Loons have been noticed producing different sounds in different situations. The loudness of sound can be determined through different methods using highly detective microphones and recorders. The sounds of loons were noticed to cover a distance of about km. The research has made it easier to understand it to some extent. Firstly, it is very important to understand that loons do not make a single sort of sound all the time.

There are about four different sounds detected and the loudness of sounds depends directly on these sound calls. Moreover, some studies have found that the heavier the loon is the lowest pitch of the sound it produces. As the loudness of sound also correlated with the total body weight of the loon.

Loons prefer nocturnal vocalization because of many reasons. Loons often start making calls between three and seven hours after sunset. It is very important to quote the reasons in specification with the different sound calls. It has been discovered that looks more frequently make long-distance calls to communicate with other members of the territory. The sounds are tremolo, wail, and yodels. A soft short contact call between birds. Adults will hoot to each other, and parents will hoot to chicks, enabling them to keep in touch with the other birds.

A long, one, two, or three note call used in situations when loons want to move closer to one another. Parents wail to their chicks to encourage the chicks to leave the nest, approach the parents when they have food, or emerge from a hiding place. Often called the "laughing call" of the loon, the tremolo is actually an alarm call used in threatening situations, such as when a boat is approaching a chick or a nest too closely.

Tremolos are also used in the "night chorus," a virtual concert made by several loons during the night. Evans, Wail and Tremolo calls recorded by S. Membership benefits include one year of Audubon magazine and the latest on birds and their habitats. Your support helps secure a future for birds at risk.

Our email newsletter shares the latest programs and initiatives. By BirdNote August 06, When loons fight they extend their wings and charge across the water to chase away opponents. Once his territory is established, the male will build a nest for his mate and anticipated chicks. With a mix of mud, grass, moss, pine needles and clumps of mud and vegetation, nests are typically built in small nooks in lake inlets. These offer privacy with close proximity to water. Occasionally, loons will build large nests on open water to better protect against predators.

They typically lay one to two eggs. The male and female will co-parent the chicks for around three months, and then leave the young adult loons to find their place in the world.