Characterization of seven polymorphic microsatellite loci in the Common Loon (Gavia immer)

We describe polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers and conditions to amplify seven microsatellite DNA loci isolated from the Common Loon (Gavia immer). The PCR primers were tested on 83 individuals from 10 locations in North America, including breeding, migration stopover, and wintering areas. Between two and seven alleles were observed to segregate at the seven microsatellite loci, with observed heterozygosities ranging from 0.048 to 0.695.