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Anyone who has spent time in the northern woods has undoubtedly heard the haunting call of the Common Loon. There are four basic calls, which are heard mostly in the spring and summer. Each call has a different meaning.
The hoot call is not as intense or as loud as the other calls. It is used to keep in contact with mates, chicks and social groups residing or visiting the same lake.
The tremolo has been described as "insane laughter"; it is 8 to 10 notes voiced rapidly which vary in frequency and intensity. This alarm call usually indicates agitation or fear, often caused by disturbance from people, a predator or even another loon. This is also the only call that loons make in flight.  
 
The wail is most frequently given in the evening or at night, and can be heard for many miles. This haunting call is not an alarm call but is used to keep in contact with other loons on the same lake and surrounding lakes.

The yodel is only made by male loons. This call is used to advertise and defend their territory, especially during incubation and early chick-rearing. If you are watching loons and they make this call or a tremolo, it usually means that you are too close and are disturbing the loons. If that happens, you should leave their territory and give them their space.

There are variations in each of these calls but little study has been done to determine the differences in their use and meaning

Click on the links below for the Loons vocals.

Hoot

Tremolo

Wail

Yodel