Species Profile

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

Bewick's Swan

Quick Facts

Conservation

LCLeast Concern

Lifespan

10 years^[3]

Length

120–150 cm

Weight

3700–9600 g

Wingspan

168–211 cm

Migration

Long-distance Migrant

The Tundra Swan, with its pristine white plumage and graceful presence, is a true globetrotter, migrating vast distances across the Northern Hemisphere.

Also known as: Whistling Swan, Bewick's Swan

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Gallery

Appearance

The Tundra Swan is a striking bird with pure white plumage, a long graceful neck, and a black bill often marked with a small yellow patch at the base. Adults typically measure 120-150 cm in length, with a wingspan of 168-211 cm.

Juveniles display grayish-brown feathers, gradually molting to white over their first year. The species shows no significant sexual dimorphism, with males and females appearing nearly identical, though males are usually slightly larger.

Identification & Characteristics

Colors

Primary: White
Beak: Black
Legs: Black

Attributes

Agility75/100

Strength80/100

Adaptability85/100

Aggression60/100

Endurance90/100

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

Tundra Swans breed in the Arctic tundra of North America and Eurasia, favoring shallow wetlands and coastal areas. During migration and winter, they inhabit a variety of wetland habitats, including estuaries, lakes, and flooded fields.

In North America, they winter along both coasts, from Alaska to California in the west and from Maryland to North Carolina in the east.

In Europe, Bewick's Swans (the Eurasian subspecies) winter in the UK, Netherlands, and other parts of Western Europe.

Distribution

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Where to See This Bird

Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.

Gloucestershire

Non-breedingJan, Feb, Mar, Oct, Nov, Dec

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Diet

Tundra Swans are primarily herbivorous, feeding on aquatic plants, grasses, and sedges.

They use their long necks to forage underwater and have adapted to grazing in agricultural fields, consuming leftover grains and crops during migration and winter.

Behaviour

Tundra Swans are highly social and often seen in large flocks during migration and winter. They exhibit strong pair bonds, engaging in synchronized swimming and vocalizing.

These birds are excellent swimmers and can run on water to gain flight, a spectacular sight during takeoffs from lakes or ponds.

Calls & Sounds

Tundra Swans are known for their melodious, bugling calls, often described as 'wow-wow-wow' or 'hoop-hoop'. These vocalizations play a crucial role in pair bonding and flock communication.

During flight, their wing beats produce a distinctive whistling sound, earning them the name 'Whistling Swan'.

Nesting & Breeding

Tundra Swans form monogamous pairs that often last for life. Breeding occurs during the brief Arctic summer, typically from late May to July. Pairs vigorously defend large territories in the tundra.

Nests are large mounds of vegetation built on slightly elevated ground near water. Females lay 3-5 large, creamy-white eggs, which both parents help to protect.

Incubation lasts about 32 days, with cygnets fledging after 60-75 days. The family group remains together through the first winter and migration, separating the following spring.

Conservation

While currently listed as Least Concern, Tundra Swans face threats from habitat loss, particularly in their breeding grounds due to climate change.

Conservation efforts focus on protecting key wetland habitats along migration routes and wintering areas, as well as monitoring population trends.

LCLeast Concern

^[1]

Population

Estimated: 317,000 - 336,000 mature individuals^[2]

Trend: Unknown

Elevation

Sea level to 2,000 meters

Additional Details

Predators:: Adult Tundra Swans have few natural predators, but eggs and cygnets are vulnerable to Arctic foxes, gulls, jaegers, and occasionally bears.

Birdwatching Tips

Look for large, white birds in wetlands and agricultural fields during migration seasons.
Listen for their distinctive honking calls, especially in flight.
Observe them in coastal areas and large inland water bodies during winter.
Use a spotting scope to distinguish the yellow bill patch from a distance.
In the UK, focus on wetlands in East Anglia and the Severn Estuary during winter.

Did You Know?

Tundra Swans can fly at speeds up to 50 miles per hour during migration.
They have a special gland that allows them to drink salt water, enabling survival in coastal habitats.
Some individuals have been known to live over 20 years in the wild.