Trumpeter Swan

The Trumpeter Swan is the largest native waterfowl species in North America, an entirely white bird with a long straight neck, a solid black bill, and black facial skin extending to the eye without any yellow. Males and females look alike, though males average somewhat larger.

Once nearly hunted to extinction in the early 20th century, the Trumpeter Swan has recovered significantly through conservation efforts and now breeds across parts of Alaska, western Canada, and the northern United States.

Key field marks

• Entirely white adult plumage
• Long, straight neck typically held erect
• Solid black bill lacking any yellow spot
• Large overall size, heavier and longer-bodied than other swans

Similar species

• Tundra Swan: smaller, often shows a small yellow spot in front of the eye near the bill base, and has a more rounded head profile
• Mute Swan: has an orange bill with a black knob and a curved neck, unlike the Trumpeter's straight neck and all-black bill

The combination of very large size, straight neck posture, and an all-black bill without yellow is the best way to confirm a Trumpeter Swan.

Range and habitat

Trumpeter Swans breed on large freshwater lakes, marshes, and slow rivers across Alaska, western Canada, and scattered areas of the northern contiguous United States, including reintroduced populations in the Midwest.

Migration

Northern populations migrate south to ice-free lakes, rivers, and estuaries for winter, while some reintroduced populations in milder climates are largely non-migratory or move only short distances.

Behavior

Trumpeter Swans are strong, powerful swimmers and fliers that pair for life and defend large breeding territories on quiet wetlands, generally avoiding close contact with humans compared to the more urban-tolerant Mute Swan.

Voice

The call is a loud, deep, resonant trumpeting or bugling note, often given in flight or as a greeting between mates, and is the basis for the species' name.

Feeding

They feed primarily by submerging their long necks to pull up aquatic plants and tubers, and also graze on land for grasses and waste grain, especially in winter.

Nesting and breeding

Pairs build a large nest mound of aquatic vegetation, often on a muskrat or beaver lodge or small island for protection; the female incubates four to six eggs, and cygnets remain with their parents through their first winter.