Species Profile
Trumpeter Swan
Cygnus buccinator
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernAlso known as: Bugler Swan
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Appearance
The Trumpeter Swan is North America's largest native waterfowl, with pure white plumage that can sometimes appear rust-stained from feeding in iron-rich waters. The black bill is distinctively straight-edged where it meets the face, and rarely may show small yellow/greenish spots.
Juveniles start with brownish-gray plumage, gradually developing white feathers throughout their first year. The legs and feet are typically black in adults, though some rare leucistic (all-white) birds can have yellow or orange feet. Males and females look identical, though males tend to be slightly larger.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- White
- Secondary
- Black
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Black
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Trumpeter Swans inhabit a variety of wetland habitats, including marshes, ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers. They breed in Alaska, Canada, and parts of the northwestern United States. Their winter range extends south to more temperate regions of the US.
In winter, they can be found in coastal areas and inland wetlands across their southern range, including parts of Washington, Oregon, and the Great Plains states. Some populations in the US are year-round residents, particularly in areas with open water during winter.
Distribution
Diet
Trumpeter Swans are primarily herbivorous, feeding on aquatic plants, tubers, and roots. They use their long necks to reach underwater vegetation and occasionally consume small aquatic animals.
In agricultural areas, they may forage in fields, eating leftover grains and crops.
Behaviour
Trumpeter Swans are highly social, often seen in family groups or larger flocks outside the breeding season. They exhibit strong pair bonds, engaging in synchronized swimming and head bobbing displays.
These swans are powerful fliers, despite their size, capable of long-distance flights during migration.
Calls & Sounds
The Trumpeter Swan's call is a resonant, trumpet-like honk, giving the species its name. Their vocalizations are lower-pitched and more sonorous than other swan species.
They produce a variety of calls, from soft grunts to loud, far-carrying 'oh-OH' sounds, often heard during flight or in territorial displays.
Nesting & Breeding
Trumpeter Swans form monogamous pairs that often mate for life. Breeding typically occurs between April and July. They build large mound-like nests of aquatic vegetation and grasses, usually on small islands or near shorelines.
Females lay 4-6 large, off-white eggs. Both parents participate in nest building and aggressively defend their territory. Incubation, primarily done by the female, lasts about 32-37 days.
Cygnets (young swans) are precocial, able to swim and feed themselves shortly after hatching. They stay with their parents for the first winter, learning migration routes and feeding grounds.
Conservation
Trumpeter Swans have made a remarkable recovery from near extinction in the early 20th century.
Conservation efforts, including habitat protection and reintroduction programs, have been successful. However, they still face challenges from lead poisoning, habitat loss, and collisions with power lines.
Elevation
Sea level to 2,000 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- Adult Trumpeter Swans have few natural predators due to their size. However, eggs and cygnets are vulnerable to predation by coyotes, wolves, bears, raccoons, and large birds of prey.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Trumpeter Swans in large, shallow wetlands and lakes
- Listen for their distinctive trumpet-like call, especially in flight
- Observe them during winter in their southern range, where they gather in larger numbers
- In the US, visit wildlife refuges in Alaska, Minnesota, or Wyoming for better viewing opportunities
Did You Know?
- Trumpeter Swans are the heaviest flying birds native to North America.
- They can live up to 30 years in the wild, one of the longest lifespans among waterfowl.
- Their wingbeats produce a distinctive whistling sound audible from a distance.
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