Climate Adaptation Plan for the Common Loon in Wisconsin

Williamson, Caitlin

The common loon (Gavia immer) is a northern-dwelling water bird known for its unique black and white plumage, ability to dive under water for long periods of time to hunt, and its loud, wailing call. Loons are at the southern edge of their range in Wisconsin, and as a lake-dependent species, are predicted - and already observed to be affected by - climate change. The range of the common loon has already shifted northwards in recent decades, likely because of changes in water quality and reductions in suitable nesting habitat due to increasing air and water temperatures, changing amounts of precipitation, and increasing frequency of inclement weather as a result of climate change. This Common Loon Climate Adaptation Plan provides background on the biological and ecological needs of the common loon in the context of potential climate and non-climate threats. Additionally, this document provides specific recommendations for adaptive strategies for state and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, and research institutions to collaborate and prioritize on to help protect Wisconsin’s populations of the common loon in the face of a changing climate.