Trumpeter Swan

The trumpeter swan, Cygnus buccinator, is North America's heaviest and largest native bird, as well as the largest extant species of waterfowl. Its impressive wingspan stretches from 185 to 304.8 cm (6 ft 2 in to 10 ft 2 in), and it is characterized by its all-white plumage and distinctive black bill. Juveniles, or cygnets, are clothed in light grey feathers and possess pinkish legs, transitioning to the adult's white plumage after about a year.

Identification Tips

Adult trumpeter swans can be identified by their pure white feathers and large, wedge-shaped black bills, which are significantly longer than those of other waterfowl. The bill may sometimes exhibit a hint of salmon-pink around the mouth. Their legs range from gray-pink to yellowish gray or black. The trumpeter swan's upright posture and straight-necked swimming stance are notable, as is its larger size compared to the similar tundra swan.

Habitat

Trumpeter swans favor large shallow ponds, undisturbed lakes, pristine wetlands, and wide slow rivers and marshes for their breeding grounds. They are typically found in northwestern and central North America, with a preference for areas with minimal human disturbance.

Distribution

The trumpeter swan's breeding range is primarily in Alaska, with significant numbers also in Canada. They migrate to the southern parts of Canada and the northwestern United States for winter, historically ranging as far south as Texas and southern California.

Behaviour

These majestic birds are known for their V-shaped flock formations during migration. They are mostly non-migratory when introduced to new areas. Trumpeter swans are protective of their young and can be aggressive when their nests are threatened.

Song & Calls

The trumpeter swan is named for its loud, trumpet-like call, which is used for communication and can be heard over long distances. The call varies in frequency and is often used as an alarm or deterrent against predators.

Breeding

Trumpeter swans typically form monogamous pairs, often mating for life. They engage in elaborate courtship displays, including head bobbing, wing spreading, and synchronized calling known as duetting. Nesting begins in late April, with the female laying four to six eggs and incubating them for 32 to 37 days.

Similar Species

The mute swan, an introduced species, can be distinguished by its orange bill and curved neck. The tundra swan is smaller and has a yellow lore, although some trumpeter swans may also exhibit this feature.

Diet and Feeding

Trumpeter swans are herbivorous, feeding on aquatic plants by dabbling or up-ending in the water. They may also forage for grains and grasses in fields during winter. Young swans initially consume a diet rich in protein, including insects and small fish, before transitioning to vegetation.

Conservation status

The trumpeter swan was once near extinction, with fewer than 70 wild individuals known to exist by 1933. However, careful reintroductions and conservation efforts have restored the population to over 46,000 birds by 2010. The species is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN and Apparently Secure by NatureServe.