The Hoot is not often heard, as it is a very low tone call and is most commonly used when Loons are not threatened.   A few situations when this call may be heard is when the adults are feeding the chicks, or when large groups of loons gather.

Often as a signal of distress, the Tremolo is a call which many relate to when they think of the great outdoors.   This call is typically used when the adults feel threatened by humans or predators and is often used in conjunction with the Penguin dance.  When you experience this call, you are most likely witnessing or causing a threat to the Loons.

Generally used to communicate between Loons, the Wail is used by adults to call chicks, call to the mate for an exchange of nest incubation responsibilities.  The most soothing of the calls, often this is heard during those calm nights and has similarities to that of the Wolf howl.

When Loons are on their summer breeding lake, a strong territorial instinct exists between both mates.  Performed only by the male, the Yodel is most often sounded when a "stray" Loon flies over head, lands on a lake occupied by a nesting pair, or when other birds such a Bald Eagle or Osprey flies overhead.