Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has an extremely large range, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size criterion (Extent of Occurrence <20,000 km2 combined with a declining or fluctuating range size, habitat extent/quality, or population size and a small number of locations or severe fragmentation). Despite the fact that the population trend appears to be decreasing, the decline is not believed to be sufficiently rapid to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion (>30% decline over ten years or three generations). The population size is very large, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population size criterion (<10,000 mature individuals with a continuing decline estimated to be >10% in ten years or three generations, or with a specified population structure). For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern.
Population justification
The global population is estimated to number c.275,000-1,500,000 individuals (Wetlands International 2015). The population in Russia has been estimated at c.100-10,000 breeding pairs and c.1,000-10,000 wintering individuals (Brazil 2009). The European population is estimated at 53,800-87,800 pairs, which equates to 108,000-176,000 mature individuals (BirdLife International 2015).
Trend justification
The overall population trend is decreasing, although some populations have unknown trends (Wetlands International 2006). The European population is estimated to be decreasing by less than 25% over three generations (29.4 years) (BirdLife International 2015).
This species has a wide range across northern latitudes, breeding on large, deep freshwater lakes across northern Europe and Asia. After breeding, individuals move southwards and towards the sea, wintering in sheltered coasts in the north-east Atlantic, and on the eastern and western coasts of the Pacific (del Hoyo et al. 1992).
Behaviour This species is strongly migratory (del Hoyo et al. 1992, Snow and Perrins 1998). It breeds in isolated solitary pairs from April onwards, nesting later further to the north depending on the timing of the thaw (Flint et al. 1984, del Hoyo et al. 1992, Snow and Perrins 1998). On migration, the species often forms flocks of c.50 individuals, generally occurring singly, in pairs or small flocks during the winter and occasionally forming large congregations in rich coastal fishing areas (del Hoyo et al. 1992, Snow and Perrins 1998). Habitat Breeding It breeds on deep, productive, freshwater lakes or extensive pools with islets, peninsulas and other inaccessible nesting sites (del Hoyo et al. 1992, Snow and Perrins 1998). Non-breeding Outside of the breeding season, the species is most common on inshore waters along sheltered coasts, occasionally also frequenting large inland freshwater bodies such as natural lakes or barrages, lagoons and large rivers (Flint et al. 1984, del Hoyo et al. 1992, Snow and Perrins 1998). Diet Its diet consists predominantly of fish, although aquatic insects, molluscs, crustaceans and some plant matter may also be taken (del Hoyo et al. 1992). Breeding site The nest is a heap of plant matter placed near the water's edge on islets or hummocks emerging from the water, sometimes also on clumps of grass on the shore (Flint et al. 1984, del Hoyo et al. 1992).
During the winter the species is highly vulnerable to coastal oil spills, especially in rich fishing grounds where large congregation may occur (del Hoyo et al. 1992). High disturbance reaction to ships and helicopters, which influences distribution and causes habitat fragmentation, and of which traffic within the species’ range is increasing (Rytkönen et al. 2002). Arctic Loons have been found to have the joint highest occurrence of bycatch in the Baltic Sea and North Sea (Zydelis et al. 2009), but the population impact is unclear.
Conservation Actions Underway
CMS Appendix II (Gavia arctica arctica). EU Birds directive Annex I. Bern Convention Appendix II. The following information refers to the species's European range only: Artificial nesting areas have been created to improve breeding success of this species and in Sweden nesting islands and the surrounding areas have been included in sanctuaries (Sibley and Monroe 1990). In Scotland, the construction of floating artificial nesting islands (rafts) on lakes where breeding success was low and/or nests had been flooded succeeded in increasing the breeding success of the species in the area (Hancock 2000). In Sweden it was also found that nesting islands and areas of surrounding water should be included in sanctuaries for this species (Götmark et al. 1989).
Conservation Actions Proposed
The following information refers to the species's European range only: Identify key breeding sites and implement site protection against development and human disturbance. Develop tighter legislation as well as penalties (national and international) associated with oil pollution from offshore developments and transport. Promote the proper use of corrective measures in longline fisheries to avoid accidental capture of birds.
Text account compilers
Stuart, A., Symes, A., Taylor, J., Calvert, R., Butchart, S., Ekstrom, J., Fjagesund, T., Hermes, C., Hibble, R., Ashpole, J, Malpas, L.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Arctic Loon Gavia arctica. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/arctic-loon-gavia-arctica on 23/11/2024.
Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2024) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/search on 23/11/2024.