Trumpeter Swan

Trumpeter Swan, adult

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Trumpeter Swan, juvenille

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1. Description
2. Sound
3. Conservation Status
4. Other Names
5. Cool Facts
6. Full detailed species account

The largest of North American waterfowl, the Trumpeter Swan is resident throughout much of its range, but migratory in other parts. Its was reduced to near extinction by the early 20th century, but it is relatively common today.

Description

• Large, all-white waterfowl.
• Long, straight neck.
• Black bill and face.

• Size: 138-158 cm (54-62 in)
• Wingspan: 203 cm (80 in)
• Weight: 7700-12700 g (271.81-448.31 ounces)

Sex Differences

Sexes look alike; male slightly larger.

Sound

Call a hollow, nasal honking. Wings make raspy noise in flight.

Conservation Status

Original declines were the result of commercial trade in swan skins and excessive hunting. Populations generally increasing. Several states and provinces have programs to reintroduce Trumpeter Swans.

Other Names

Cygne trompette (French)
Cisne (Spanish)

Cool Facts

• The Trumpeter Swan was hunted for its feathers throughout the 1600s - 1800s, causing a tremendous decline in its numbers. Its largest flight feathers made what were considered to be the best quality quill pens.
• Swans can live a long time. Wild Trumpeter Swans have been known to live longer than 24 years, and one captive individual lived to be 32.

• Trumpeter Swans form pair bonds when they are three or four years old. The pair stays together throughout the year, moving together in migratory populations. Trumpeters are assumed to mate for life, but some individuals do switch mates over their lifetimes. Some males that lost their mates did not mate again.

Sources used to construct this page:

Mitchell, Carl D. 1994. Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator). In The Birds of North America, No. 105 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, and The American Ornithologists' Union, Washington, D.C.