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An iconic presence on lakes across the country, over 94% of the global population is estimated to breed in Canada (Evers et al. 2010). Thus, Canada's responsibility for the species is considered to be very high. Population trends are best represented by the Breeding Bird Survey, which suggests a moderate increase since the early 1970s. Nonetheless, anthropogenic disturbance and contamination of water-bodies remain important threats. This species has been identified as a priority for conservation and/or stewardship in one or more Bird Conservation Region Strategies in Canada.
Although Common Loon numbers are currently robust, their dependence on freshwater lakes leaves them at risk from numerous anthropogenic impacts. Mercury contamination and acid rain have contributed to reduced breeding success throughout their range, while birds nesting in human-inhabited regions face additional disturbance from shoreline development and recreational activities (Weeber 1999, Evers et al. 2010, Tozer et al. 2013). Increased mortality has been attributed to outbreaks of type E Botulism in the Great Lakes and to the ingestion of lead from fishing and hunting gear (Scheuhammer 2009). Entanglement in commercial fishing nets and oil spills may threaten birds wintering offshore (Evers et al. 2010). Trends in breeding success have not been thoroughly evaluated for Canada. Trends in breeding success, measured as the annual number of young produced per pair between 1992 and 2010, showed that success decreased over time, was higher in the west than in the east, was higher on larger lakes, and increased as acidity decreased; results are likely linked to acid- or temperature-related exposure to mercury and/or acid-induced reductions in food supply (Tozer et al. 2013). As with other long-lived species, adult population trends may have a delayed effect in reflecting declines in breeding success associated with large scale stressors (e.g., mercury, acid rain; Weeber 1999, Tozer et al. 2013).
Environment and Climate Change Canada and partners have developed Bird Conservation Region Strategies in each of Canada’s Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs). In these strategies, selected species are identified as priorities for one or more of the following reasons:
Select any of the sub-regions below to view the BCR strategy for additional details.