Why do the young loons fight?
Kyle A: Young loons fight to establish a “pecking order” or dominance between the chicks. Loon chicks hatch 24 hours apart and often the first chick to hatch is slightly bigger and is dominant. This means that when the parents bring food the bigger chick is more likely to get fed. While this may seem cruel to the smaller “brother or sister” it is a survival mechanism. If the loon parents don’t bring enough food for both chicks the larger dominant chick is likely to survive rather than both chicks being weaker and more vulnerable. Belle Plaine 0716bpel@informns.k12.mn.us From: VERMONT Q. If you were able to take care of a loon with permission, would you be allowed to try to tame it? And if so, would it let you touch it? Erica A: There are a few people who have kept loons in captivity. Mostly loons are “taken care of” at animal rehabilitation centers if they have been injured or are sick. These birds are treated and the goal is to release them to the wild again. The Minnesota Zoo has had
