Trumpeter Swan
Cygnus buccinator
Visual Identification
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.
Size
Length
139cm to 157cm
Wingspan
185cm to 250cm
Weight
7.7kg to 13.6kg
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
White
Secondary Colour
Black
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Black
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 2,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subarctic
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Trumpeter Swan. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
This feature is in beta. We'd love your feedback to improve it!
Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Despite their large size, Trumpeter Swans demonstrate remarkable agility in flight and water. They're capable of precise landings on water, graceful swimming movements, and can execute coordinated flight manoeuvres during migration. Their long neck also allows for nimble feeding both above and below water.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As North America's heaviest flying bird, Trumpeter Swans possess exceptional strength. Their powerful wing muscles enable them to take off with their substantial body weight and maintain sustained flight. They can effectively defend territory and break through thin ice in winter conditions.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
These swans show good adaptability across various wetland habitats from sea level to 2,000 metres elevation. They've successfully adapted to human-modified landscapes, including agricultural areas for foraging, though they remain somewhat specialist in their habitat requirements.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Whilst generally peaceful, Trumpeter Swans display significant aggression when defending their territory and young. They're particularly forceful during breeding season, challenging both avian and terrestrial threats. Their size and territorial nature make them formidable opponents.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Exceptional endurance is evidenced by their ability to undertake long-distance migrations, their long lifespan of up to 30 years, and capacity for sustained flight. Their robust physiology allows them to thrive in harsh winter conditions and maintain activity in cold waters.
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.
Vocalisation
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 and Status
Global Conservation Status
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.
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
Additional Information
Quick Facts
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.
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.
Similar Birds
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2021. Cygnus buccinator. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T22679859A136992006.
View source - 2 3
report: Groves 2017; Rees et al. 2019; Mitchell and Eichholz 2020
- 4
website, 2000: Carey and Judge, Longevity Records: Life Spans of Mammals, Birds, Amphibians, Reptiles, and Fish
View source
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