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Loon
Gavia pacifica
by Peter
Classification
Kingdom: Amimalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Gvaiiformes
Family: Gaviidae
Genus: Gavia
Species: Gavia Pacifica
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Physical Description
The loon's head is black which extends down the back of its neck
and back where there are some white spots. On its underside the color
is white extending from its bill to its belly. Its average length is 66
cm.
Diet and Feeding Habits
Loons eat fish, amphibians, and crustacean, which they hunt under water,
finding their prey by sight. This includes cray fish, frogs, snails,
salamanders and leeches. They prefer clear lakes because it is easier to
see prey. The loons pointy bill is used to stab or grasp prey. Vertebrate
prey is eaten head first by swallowing.
Reproduction
During the summer, loons nest on fresh water lakes or
large ponds. Loons builds their nest close to the water, preferring sites
that are completely surrounded by water. They may stay in the same place
from year to year. They may use materials found nearby to build their
nest. They are able to swim right away when they are first born.
Habitat
During the summer loons nest on fresh water lakes or ponds. They migrate
to the ocean for winter because of poor walking ability.
Role in the Ecosystem
The Pacific loon's range is growing smaller as human
development moves into its habitat. Recent studies have found chemicals
in the loon's body due to pollutants being added to the ecosystem and
the loon being near the top of its food chain. It is a carnivore. It preys
on salamanders, snails, frogs, and leeches. Common loons are provide food
for their predators. They are also host to at least forty different body
parasites. Loons avoid predation by nesting on islands, where ground based
predators are less common. Adult loons have few known predators, but may
be vulnerable to large marine mammals such as sea otters and large raptors,
such as bald eagles and ospreys.
Bibliography
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loon
http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Gavia_pacifica.html
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