Are Adult Loons Identical?
Our second week surveying our loon populations on Great and Long Ponds has been both rewarding — and, well, educational!
When you see two adult loons together, have you ever asked yourself, “Which one is the male, and which one the female?” Mistakenly, like many, I’ve always considered the adult with that big forehead brow was the male.
I assume that everyone is going to choose the adult on the left. Maybe it's the male, but maybe not. The brow is actually a postering mannerism by ruffling his or her feathers. In fact, the bird on the left could very well be the female.
I assume that everyone is going to choose the adult on the left. Maybe it's the male, but maybe not. The brow is actually a postering mannerism by ruffling his or her feathers. In fact, the bird on the left could very well be the female.
When you see two adults in profile, the larger of the two is generally the male, but not always. The only way to definitely determine sex is by a blood and feather analysis.
I have trouble believing this as well, but in reviewing numerous banded loon photos and with sex confirmation, I grudgingly have to concur and it hurts!
If you have a particular questions regarding our Belgrade loon population, please email your inquiry to info@blamaine.org and we will try to answer your question either in this column or via email. Have a great spring and summer enjoying the “Call of the Loon”!
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