The loon is a waterbird known for its distinctive plumage and haunting call. Many people associate loons with Minnesota, due to the bird’s prevalence in the state and prominence as a state symbol. But is the loon actually the official state bird of Minnesota? The short answer is no, the loon is not the designated state bird. However, the loon does hold official state symbol status in Minnesota and is strongly linked with the state’s identity.
The Common Loon in Minnesota
The common loon (Gavia immer) is a migratory waterbird found across parts of northern North America, including Minnesota. Minnesota represents the southern end of the loon’s breeding range. Each spring, loons migrate back to Minnesota and other northern states and provinces to nest on quiet lakes, bogs, and marshes.
Minnesota provides excellent loon habitat, with its abundance of lakes, forests, and wetlands. As a result, the state hosts a sizable breeding loon population. Minnesota’s loon population is estimated at about 12,000 adult birds. Loons in Minnesota nest on lake shorelines and small islands starting in late spring. Loon pairs return to the same breeding lakes year after year.
After nesting, adult loons remain on their breeding lakes through late summer and early fall to care for their chicks. People in Minnesota get ample opportunities to observe loon parents swimming and fishing with chicks riding on their backs.
In late fall, cold weather forces Minnesota’s loons to migrate south to ocean coastlines. They winter along both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. Then the cycle repeats each spring when loons fly north to breeding grounds like Minnesota.
Significance of the Loon in Minnesota
The common loon holds a special place in Minnesota culture and identity. Several key factors contribute to this bird’s significance and reputation in the state:
– Abundant population – With around 12,000 breeding adults, Minnesota hosts one of the largest state populations of common loons. This allows many opportunities for people to observe and enjoy the birds.
– Iconic calls – Loons are renowned for their wide repertoire of haunting, wailing calls that echo across lakes. These memorable vocalizations add to the loon’s mystique.
– State symbol status – The common loon is an official state bird of Minnesota. It was adopted as a state symbol in 1961.
– Tourism draw – Loons attract birdwatchers and nature tourists. Loon sightings and nighttime calls enhance the experience of visiting northern Minnesota lakes.
– Conservation efforts – Minnesota has made significant investments in conserving loons through monitoring, protection, and public education campaigns like the “Minnesota Loon Monitoring Program” and “Loon-friendly Lake Recognition Program.”
– Cultural representation – Loons frequently appear in Minnesota artwork, photography, literature, and advertising. Images of loons evoke a sense of the state’s natural beauty.
Common Loon vs. State Bird
While it is closely tied to Minnesota identity, the common loon is not actually the official state bird. That designation belongs to the common loon’s close relative, the Minnesota state bird is the common loon’s close cousin, the common tern.
In 1961, the Minnesota Legislature was considering state bird candidates. The loon and tern were the two finalists under debate. Ultimately, legislators selected the common tern as the state bird in a close vote.
A key factor was that Minnesota represented the western edge of the common tern’s breeding range at the time. So the tern was seen as a symbol of the state’s unique natural habitat bridging eastern and western North America. The common loon was still afforded official state symbol status, but not named the state bird.
The common tern (Sterna hirundo) is a small seabird that nests colonially in large flocks along Minnesota’s lakes and rivers. Terns summer in Minnesota before migrating to winter along ocean coasts. They nest on sandy beaches and feed by plunge-diving for fish in open water.
So while the loon is not technically the state bird, it remains one of Minnesota’s most culturally significant birds and wildlife species. The loon’s ties to Minnesota have only grown over the decades through continued conservation, education, tourism promotion, and public appreciation.
Comparison of the Loon and Tern
Although they were both contenders for state bird, the common loon and common tern are quite different waterbirds. Here is a comparison between the two species:
Common Loon
- Large diving bird around 3 feet long with a 4-5 foot wingspan
- Bright black-and-white checkered plumage in summer
- Drab gray plumage in winter
- Pointed bill well-adapted for catching fish
- Red eyes
- Distinctive yodeling, wailing, and tremolo calls
- Nests as solitary pairs on lakes
- Chicks ride on parent’s back when very young
- Winters along ocean coasts
- State bird candidate; strong cultural connections in Minnesota
Common Tern
- Small tern around 15 inches long with a 3 foot wingspan
- Gray back and white underparts
- Black cap and thin pointed bill
- Harsh, rasping call
- Nests colonially in large flocks on islands
- Plunge dives for fish
- Migrates globally between oceans
- Official state bird of Minnesota
The loon and tern clearly differ significantly in size, plumage, habitat, and behavior. But they share some traits like fishing for food and migrating long distances. Each species contributes to Minnesota’s culture, economy, and biodiversity in its own way.
Efforts to Designate the Loon as State Bird
While the common tern won the title of state bird back in 1961, there have been occasional efforts over the years to try to officially elevate the beloved common loon to that status.
In 1985, a bill was introduced in the Minnesota Legislature proposing to designate the loon as the new state bird. It was argued that the loon was more recognizable and better reflected Minnesota. However, the bill did not pass, and the common tern remained the state bird.
Again in 1999, another bill attempted to replace the common tern with the common loon as the state bird of Minnesota. It also failed to win enough support to change the status quo.
Despite these failed legislative attempts, many residents and organizations have continued advocating to give the loon its due as state bird. Their campaigns point to the cultural significance of the loon and its broad public support.
For example, Minnesota Public Radio held an unofficial online poll in 2016 asking participants to weigh in on whether the loon should be the state bird. Out of over 50,000 votes cast, over 90% favored the loon over the tern. This suggests most Minnesotans see the loon as representing their state’s identity.
While no successful effort has yet overturned the legislature’s 1961 decision, the loon remains indelibly linked with Minnesota’s natural and cultural heritage.
Conclusion
In summary, the common loon is not officially designated as the Minnesota state bird. That title belongs to the common tern, which was given state bird status back in 1961. However, the loon is strongly associated with Minnesota identity and has a special place in the state’s culture, tourism, and ecology. Conservation programs emphasize this iconic waterbird’s importance. The loon also holds official recognition as a Minnesota state symbol. While not the technical state bird, the loon will continue to be one of the enduring symbols of Minnesota into the future.