Scientists at the USGS Alaska Science Center have conducted research on Alaska’s three loon species since the late 1970s. Loons rely on freshwater lakes for nesting habitat and fish and invertebrates inhabiting lakes and marine ecosystems for food. All three loon species in Alaska occur within the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A) on Alaska’s northern coast. Research by the USGS is informing distribution and abundance of loons in northern Alaska and how they may respond to environmental and human changes to the northern landscape.
Return to Ecosystems >> Terrestrial Ecosystems
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
The main objectives of the USGS Alaska Science Center loon research program are to:
- Provide ecological and demographic information on Alaska’s three loon species.
- Determine mechanisms for population trends, particularly for the Red-throated Loon (declines noted across much of Alaska) and the Yellow-billed Loon (a candidate species for listing as ‘threatened’ from 2009 to 2014).
- Provide science information to Department of Interior management agencies and others for their decision-making regarding loons.
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Below are data or web applications associated with this project.
Filter Total Items: 16
Pacific (Gavia pacifica) and Yellow-billed Loon (G. adamsii) Mark-Resight Encounter History Data; National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, 2011-2014 Pacific (Gavia pacifica) and Yellow-billed Loon (G. adamsii) Mark-Resight Encounter History Data; National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, 2011-2014
This data release contains a mark-resight encounter history table for Pacific and Yellow-billed loons from the Arctic Coastal Plain in northern Alaska, 2011-2014.
Pacific (Gavia pacifica), Yellow-billed (G. adamsii), and Red-throated Loon (G. stellata) Nest Monitoring Data; National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, 2011-2014 Pacific (Gavia pacifica), Yellow-billed (G. adamsii), and Red-throated Loon (G. stellata) Nest Monitoring Data; National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, 2011-2014
This data set contains information (in two spreadsheets) from the monitoring of nests of Pacific, Yellow-billed and Red-throated loons at two 64 km2 sites in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A) during the summers of 2011-2014. We categorized each nest site by the physical aspects of the lake and proximity to other nesting loons. To determine nest fate (incubating, nest...
Serological data on influenza A from birds and mammals on the Arctic Coastal Plain of northern Alaska, 2011-2017 Serological data on influenza A from birds and mammals on the Arctic Coastal Plain of northern Alaska, 2011-2017
These data (in two spreadsheets) are the results of screening for influenza A viruses (IAV) in blood from wild animals that utilize the Arctic region of Alaska. 758 blood samples from nine wildlife species (3 mammal, 6 waterbird) were collected in Arctic Alaska, 2011-2017. Two different tests were used and the results are presented in separate spreadsheets. All blood samples were...
Fatty Acid Signature Data of Potential Yellow-billed Loon Prey in the Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska, 2009-2011 Fatty Acid Signature Data of Potential Yellow-billed Loon Prey in the Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska, 2009-2011
This dataset contains fatty acid data expressed as mass percent of total fatty acids for several species potentially preyed upon by yellow-billed loons. These data were utilized in a quantitative fatty acid signature analysis to estimate the diet of yellow-billed loons nesting on the Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska.
Below are multimedia items associated with this project.
Below are publications associated with this project.
Filter Total Items: 23
Size and retention of breeding territories of yellow-billed loons in Alaska and Canada Size and retention of breeding territories of yellow-billed loons in Alaska and Canada
Yellow-billed Loons ( Gavia adamsii) breed in lakes in the treeless Arctic and are globally rare. Like their sister taxa, the well-documented Common Loon ( G. immer) of the boreal forest, Yellow-billed Loons exhibit strong territorial behavior during the breeding season. Little is known about what size territories are required, however, or how readily territories are retained from year...
Authors
Joel Schmutz, Kenneth G. Wright, Christopher DeSorbo, Jeff Fair, David Evers, Brian Uher-Koch, Daniel Mulcahy
Occupancy of yellow-billed and Pacific loons: evidence for interspecific competition and habitat mediated co-occurrence Occupancy of yellow-billed and Pacific loons: evidence for interspecific competition and habitat mediated co-occurrence
Interspecific competition is an important process structuring ecological communities, however, it is difficult to observe in nature. We used an occupancy modelling approach to evaluate evidence of competition between yellow-billed ( Gavia adamsii) and Pacific ( G. pacifica) loons for nesting lakes on the Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska. With multiple years of data and survey platforms, we...
Authors
Trevor Haynes, Joel Schmutz, Mark S. Lindberg, Kenneth G. Wright, Brian Uher-Koch, Amanda Rosenberger
Historic and contemporary mercury exposure and potential risk to yellow-billed loons (Gavia adamsii) breeding in Alaska and Canada Historic and contemporary mercury exposure and potential risk to yellow-billed loons (Gavia adamsii) breeding in Alaska and Canada
The Yellow-billed Loon (Gavia adamsii) is one of the rarest breeding birds in North America. Because of the small population size and patchy distribution, any stressor to its population is of concern. To determine risks posed by environmental mercury (Hg) loads, we captured 115 Yellow-billed Loons between 2002 and 2012 in the North American Arctic and sampled their blood and/or feather...
Authors
David Evers, Joel Schmutz, Niladri Basu, Christopher DeSorbo, Jeff Fair, Carrie E. Gray, James Paruk, Marie Perkins, Kevin Regan, Brian Uher-Koch, Kenneth G. Wright
Factors influencing nest survival and productivity of Red-throated Loons (Gavia stellata) in Alaska Factors influencing nest survival and productivity of Red-throated Loons (Gavia stellata) in Alaska
Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata) numbers in Alaska have fluctuated dramatically over the past 3 decades; however, the demographic processes contributing to these population dynamics are poorly understood. To examine spatial and temporal variation in productivity, we estimated breeding parameters at 5 sites in Alaska: at Cape Espenberg and the Copper River Delta we estimated nest...
Authors
Daniel Rizzolo, Joel Schmutz, Sarah E. McCloskey, Thomas F. Fondell
Changing Arctic ecosystems: ecology of loons in a changing Arctic Changing Arctic ecosystems: ecology of loons in a changing Arctic
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Changing Arctic Ecosystems (CAE) initiative informs key resource management decisions for Arctic Alaska by providing scientific information on current and future ecosystem response to a changing climate. From 2010 to 2014, a key study area for the USGS CAE initiative has been the Arctic Coastal Plain of northern Alaska. This region has experienced rapid...
Authors
Brian Uher-Koch, Joel Schmutz, Mary Whalen, John Pearce
Risk of predation and weather events affect nest site selection by sympatric Pacific (Gavia pacifica) and Yellow-billed (Gavia adamsii) loons in Arctic habitats Risk of predation and weather events affect nest site selection by sympatric Pacific (Gavia pacifica) and Yellow-billed (Gavia adamsii) loons in Arctic habitats
Pacific (Gavia pacifica) and Yellow-billed (G. adamsii) loons nest sympatrically in Arctic regions. These related species likely face similar constraints and requirements for nesting success; therefore, use of similar habitats and direct competition for nesting habitat is likely. Both of these loon species must select a breeding lake that provides suitable habitat for nesting and raising...
Authors
Trevor Haynes, Joel Schmutz, Mark S. Lindberg, Amanda Rosenberger
Survival of adult Red-throated Loons (Gavia stellata) may be linked to marine conditions Survival of adult Red-throated Loons (Gavia stellata) may be linked to marine conditions
Large variations in the summering population size of Red-throated Loons (Gavia stellata) have occurred in recent decades in Alaska. Little information exists about annual or seasonal survival rates of adult Red-throated Loons. This study used tracking data from satellite transmitters implanted into 33 Red-throated Loons captured on breeding areas in Alaska to estimate annual survival...
Authors
Joel Schmutz
Model-Based Predictions of the Effects of Harvest Mortality on Population Size and Trend of Yellow-Billed Loons Model-Based Predictions of the Effects of Harvest Mortality on Population Size and Trend of Yellow-Billed Loons
Yellow-billed loons (Gavia adamsii) breed in low densities in northern tundra habitats in Alaska, Canada, and Russia. They migrate to coastal marine habitats at mid to high latitudes where they spend their winters. Harvest may occur throughout the annual cycle, but of particular concern are recent reports of harvest from the Bering Strait region, which lies between Alaska and Russia and...
Authors
Joel Schmutz
Red-throated loons (Gavia stellata) breeding in Alaska, USA, are exposed to PCBs while on their Asian wintering grounds Red-throated loons (Gavia stellata) breeding in Alaska, USA, are exposed to PCBs while on their Asian wintering grounds
Red-throated loons (Gavia stellata) breeding in Alaska declined 53% during 1977-1993. We compare concentrations of environmental contaminants in red-throated loons among four nesting areas in Alaska and discuss potential ramifications of exposure on reproductive success and population trends. Eggs from the four areas had similar total polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations, but...
Authors
Joel Schmutz, K.A. Trust, A.C. Matz
Egg flotation estimates nest age for Pacific and Red-throated Loons Egg flotation estimates nest age for Pacific and Red-throated Loons
We used Pacific Loon (Gavia pacifica) and Red-throated Loon (G. stellata) nests with known ages to gauge the efficacy of egg flotation for determining nest age in coastal Alaska. Egg flotation accurately estimated nest age for both species; the mean ± 1SD difference between known age and age determined with egg flotation was - 0.05 ± 2.00 d and -0.02 ± 1.63 d for Pacific and Red-throated...
Authors
Daniel Rizzolo, Joel Schmutz
Status assessment and conservation plan for the yellow-billed loon (Gavia adamsii) Status assessment and conservation plan for the yellow-billed loon (Gavia adamsii)
Because of its restricted range, small population size, specific habitat requirements, and perceived threats to its breeding habitat, the Yellow-billed Loon (Gavia adamsii) is a species of conservation concern to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the subject of a petition for listing under the Endangered Species Act. This Status Assessment synthesizes current information on...
Authors
Susan Earnst
Scientists at the USGS Alaska Science Center have conducted research on Alaska’s three loon species since the late 1970s. Loons rely on freshwater lakes for nesting habitat and fish and invertebrates inhabiting lakes and marine ecosystems for food. All three loon species in Alaska occur within the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A) on Alaska’s northern coast. Research by the USGS is informing distribution and abundance of loons in northern Alaska and how they may respond to environmental and human changes to the northern landscape.
Return to Ecosystems >> Terrestrial Ecosystems
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
The main objectives of the USGS Alaska Science Center loon research program are to:
- Provide ecological and demographic information on Alaska’s three loon species.
- Determine mechanisms for population trends, particularly for the Red-throated Loon (declines noted across much of Alaska) and the Yellow-billed Loon (a candidate species for listing as ‘threatened’ from 2009 to 2014).
- Provide science information to Department of Interior management agencies and others for their decision-making regarding loons.
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Below are data or web applications associated with this project.
Filter Total Items: 16
Pacific (Gavia pacifica) and Yellow-billed Loon (G. adamsii) Mark-Resight Encounter History Data; National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, 2011-2014 Pacific (Gavia pacifica) and Yellow-billed Loon (G. adamsii) Mark-Resight Encounter History Data; National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, 2011-2014
This data release contains a mark-resight encounter history table for Pacific and Yellow-billed loons from the Arctic Coastal Plain in northern Alaska, 2011-2014.
Pacific (Gavia pacifica), Yellow-billed (G. adamsii), and Red-throated Loon (G. stellata) Nest Monitoring Data; National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, 2011-2014 Pacific (Gavia pacifica), Yellow-billed (G. adamsii), and Red-throated Loon (G. stellata) Nest Monitoring Data; National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, 2011-2014
This data set contains information (in two spreadsheets) from the monitoring of nests of Pacific, Yellow-billed and Red-throated loons at two 64 km2 sites in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A) during the summers of 2011-2014. We categorized each nest site by the physical aspects of the lake and proximity to other nesting loons. To determine nest fate (incubating, nest...
Serological data on influenza A from birds and mammals on the Arctic Coastal Plain of northern Alaska, 2011-2017 Serological data on influenza A from birds and mammals on the Arctic Coastal Plain of northern Alaska, 2011-2017
These data (in two spreadsheets) are the results of screening for influenza A viruses (IAV) in blood from wild animals that utilize the Arctic region of Alaska. 758 blood samples from nine wildlife species (3 mammal, 6 waterbird) were collected in Arctic Alaska, 2011-2017. Two different tests were used and the results are presented in separate spreadsheets. All blood samples were...
Fatty Acid Signature Data of Potential Yellow-billed Loon Prey in the Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska, 2009-2011 Fatty Acid Signature Data of Potential Yellow-billed Loon Prey in the Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska, 2009-2011
This dataset contains fatty acid data expressed as mass percent of total fatty acids for several species potentially preyed upon by yellow-billed loons. These data were utilized in a quantitative fatty acid signature analysis to estimate the diet of yellow-billed loons nesting on the Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska.
Below are multimedia items associated with this project.
Below are publications associated with this project.
Filter Total Items: 23
Size and retention of breeding territories of yellow-billed loons in Alaska and Canada Size and retention of breeding territories of yellow-billed loons in Alaska and Canada
Yellow-billed Loons ( Gavia adamsii) breed in lakes in the treeless Arctic and are globally rare. Like their sister taxa, the well-documented Common Loon ( G. immer) of the boreal forest, Yellow-billed Loons exhibit strong territorial behavior during the breeding season. Little is known about what size territories are required, however, or how readily territories are retained from year...
Authors
Joel Schmutz, Kenneth G. Wright, Christopher DeSorbo, Jeff Fair, David Evers, Brian Uher-Koch, Daniel Mulcahy
Occupancy of yellow-billed and Pacific loons: evidence for interspecific competition and habitat mediated co-occurrence Occupancy of yellow-billed and Pacific loons: evidence for interspecific competition and habitat mediated co-occurrence
Interspecific competition is an important process structuring ecological communities, however, it is difficult to observe in nature. We used an occupancy modelling approach to evaluate evidence of competition between yellow-billed ( Gavia adamsii) and Pacific ( G. pacifica) loons for nesting lakes on the Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska. With multiple years of data and survey platforms, we...
Authors
Trevor Haynes, Joel Schmutz, Mark S. Lindberg, Kenneth G. Wright, Brian Uher-Koch, Amanda Rosenberger
Historic and contemporary mercury exposure and potential risk to yellow-billed loons (Gavia adamsii) breeding in Alaska and Canada Historic and contemporary mercury exposure and potential risk to yellow-billed loons (Gavia adamsii) breeding in Alaska and Canada
The Yellow-billed Loon (Gavia adamsii) is one of the rarest breeding birds in North America. Because of the small population size and patchy distribution, any stressor to its population is of concern. To determine risks posed by environmental mercury (Hg) loads, we captured 115 Yellow-billed Loons between 2002 and 2012 in the North American Arctic and sampled their blood and/or feather...
Authors
David Evers, Joel Schmutz, Niladri Basu, Christopher DeSorbo, Jeff Fair, Carrie E. Gray, James Paruk, Marie Perkins, Kevin Regan, Brian Uher-Koch, Kenneth G. Wright
Factors influencing nest survival and productivity of Red-throated Loons (Gavia stellata) in Alaska Factors influencing nest survival and productivity of Red-throated Loons (Gavia stellata) in Alaska
Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata) numbers in Alaska have fluctuated dramatically over the past 3 decades; however, the demographic processes contributing to these population dynamics are poorly understood. To examine spatial and temporal variation in productivity, we estimated breeding parameters at 5 sites in Alaska: at Cape Espenberg and the Copper River Delta we estimated nest...
Authors
Daniel Rizzolo, Joel Schmutz, Sarah E. McCloskey, Thomas F. Fondell
Changing Arctic ecosystems: ecology of loons in a changing Arctic Changing Arctic ecosystems: ecology of loons in a changing Arctic
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Changing Arctic Ecosystems (CAE) initiative informs key resource management decisions for Arctic Alaska by providing scientific information on current and future ecosystem response to a changing climate. From 2010 to 2014, a key study area for the USGS CAE initiative has been the Arctic Coastal Plain of northern Alaska. This region has experienced rapid...
Authors
Brian Uher-Koch, Joel Schmutz, Mary Whalen, John Pearce
Risk of predation and weather events affect nest site selection by sympatric Pacific (Gavia pacifica) and Yellow-billed (Gavia adamsii) loons in Arctic habitats Risk of predation and weather events affect nest site selection by sympatric Pacific (Gavia pacifica) and Yellow-billed (Gavia adamsii) loons in Arctic habitats
Pacific (Gavia pacifica) and Yellow-billed (G. adamsii) loons nest sympatrically in Arctic regions. These related species likely face similar constraints and requirements for nesting success; therefore, use of similar habitats and direct competition for nesting habitat is likely. Both of these loon species must select a breeding lake that provides suitable habitat for nesting and raising...
Authors
Trevor Haynes, Joel Schmutz, Mark S. Lindberg, Amanda Rosenberger
Survival of adult Red-throated Loons (Gavia stellata) may be linked to marine conditions Survival of adult Red-throated Loons (Gavia stellata) may be linked to marine conditions
Large variations in the summering population size of Red-throated Loons (Gavia stellata) have occurred in recent decades in Alaska. Little information exists about annual or seasonal survival rates of adult Red-throated Loons. This study used tracking data from satellite transmitters implanted into 33 Red-throated Loons captured on breeding areas in Alaska to estimate annual survival...
Authors
Joel Schmutz
Model-Based Predictions of the Effects of Harvest Mortality on Population Size and Trend of Yellow-Billed Loons Model-Based Predictions of the Effects of Harvest Mortality on Population Size and Trend of Yellow-Billed Loons
Yellow-billed loons (Gavia adamsii) breed in low densities in northern tundra habitats in Alaska, Canada, and Russia. They migrate to coastal marine habitats at mid to high latitudes where they spend their winters. Harvest may occur throughout the annual cycle, but of particular concern are recent reports of harvest from the Bering Strait region, which lies between Alaska and Russia and...
Authors
Joel Schmutz
Red-throated loons (Gavia stellata) breeding in Alaska, USA, are exposed to PCBs while on their Asian wintering grounds Red-throated loons (Gavia stellata) breeding in Alaska, USA, are exposed to PCBs while on their Asian wintering grounds
Red-throated loons (Gavia stellata) breeding in Alaska declined 53% during 1977-1993. We compare concentrations of environmental contaminants in red-throated loons among four nesting areas in Alaska and discuss potential ramifications of exposure on reproductive success and population trends. Eggs from the four areas had similar total polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations, but...
Authors
Joel Schmutz, K.A. Trust, A.C. Matz
Egg flotation estimates nest age for Pacific and Red-throated Loons Egg flotation estimates nest age for Pacific and Red-throated Loons
We used Pacific Loon (Gavia pacifica) and Red-throated Loon (G. stellata) nests with known ages to gauge the efficacy of egg flotation for determining nest age in coastal Alaska. Egg flotation accurately estimated nest age for both species; the mean ± 1SD difference between known age and age determined with egg flotation was - 0.05 ± 2.00 d and -0.02 ± 1.63 d for Pacific and Red-throated...
Authors
Daniel Rizzolo, Joel Schmutz
Status assessment and conservation plan for the yellow-billed loon (Gavia adamsii) Status assessment and conservation plan for the yellow-billed loon (Gavia adamsii)
Because of its restricted range, small population size, specific habitat requirements, and perceived threats to its breeding habitat, the Yellow-billed Loon (Gavia adamsii) is a species of conservation concern to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the subject of a petition for listing under the Endangered Species Act. This Status Assessment synthesizes current information on...
Authors
Susan Earnst