The Trumpeter Swan

Generally thought of as the largest of all of the swans, the Trumpeter Swan, Cygnus buccinator, is also the largest of North American native birds.

The Trumpeter Swan is named for its loud and resonating honk, although it is also identifiable due to its size. Male Trumpeter Swans normally grow to 160cm in length, although a size of 180cm are not unknown. Adult males can also weigh over 12kg. It is though their extremely large wingspan that is most apparent, with 2m being normal, and 3m not unknown.

Trumpeter Swan - Dick Daniels - CC-BY-SA-3.0

In terms of size, the Trumpeter Swan is mostly closely associated with the Mute Swan, although in terms of actual appearance it is more closely related to the Whooper Swan or Tundra Swan. The long neck is unlike the curve of the Mute Swan, but as with many swans it is the beak that has the most distinguishing features. The black bill of the Trumpeter Swan has salmon pink markings rather than the yellow of the Whooper Swan or the reddish orange of the Mute.

Breeding pairs of Trumpeter Swans will often return to the same breeding ground, and the same specific area year on year. As with most swans, pairs often mate for life. Each breeding season, the female Trumpeter Swan will lay 7 eggs, and will incubate them for five weeks.

Today there is an estimated 34000 Trumpeter Swans living in the wild, and although they are still on the endangered list in some regions, they have seen a resurgence in numbers in others. Today the Trumpeter Swan is more at risk from competition from the Mute Swan, rather than hunters or pollution.

Trumpeter Swans in Grand Teton - PD-US-NPS

Trumpeter Swans and Mute Swans are both to be found in similar environments, particularly around shallow lakes and large rivers. The abundance of vegetation and the ease of foraging for food in and on the edges of such water supplies provides the swans with sufficient food to thrive, although Trumpeter Swans may also feed of crops. In most areas of North America there are constant populations of Trumpeter Swans, and it is only on the northernmost regions that sees a migration south as the weather cools.

The Trumpeter Swan is one of the most recognisable of all North American birds and has thrived in recent years. Hopefully it will be around for many years to come, so that future generations can enjoy the beauty and the grace of a majestic bird.

Copyright - First Published 2nd March 2010