description Trumpeter Swan Overview
The Trumpeter Swan is a large waterfowl species native to North America. It’s notable as the heaviest native bird of the continent and was once on the brink of extinction. Conservation efforts have led to its significant recovery. Primarily found in freshwater habitats, it's particularly relevant for wildlife biologists, conservationists, and anyone interested in observing this iconic swan.
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Trumpeter Swan ranks #12 of 191 in the Waterfowl ranking, behind Smew, ahead of Falcated Duck.
help Trumpeter Swan FAQ
How do you tell the difference between a Trumpeter Swan and a Tundra Swan?
The Trumpeter Swan is significantly larger and heavier than the Tundra Swan, weighing up to 30 pounds. Additionally, Trumpeter Swans have a straighter, V-shaped border where their black bill meets their forehead feathers, whereas the Tundra Swan has a more curved, rounded bill shape.
What caused the near-extinction of the Trumpeter Swan?
The Trumpeter Swan was hunted relentlessly throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries for its meat and valuable feathers, which were used to make quill pens and hat decorations. By the 1930s, fewer than 70 of these birds were known to exist in the contiguous United States.
Where do Trumpeter Swans build their nests?
Trumpeter Swans primarily breed in freshwater marshes, ponds, and lakes across Alaska, Canada, and the northwestern United States. They build massive, bulky nests out of aquatic vegetation that can be up to 12 feet across.
What do Trumpeter Swans eat?
These waterfowl are primarily herbivores, feeding on aquatic plants, stems, roots, and occasionally grazing on terrestrial grasses. Cygnets (young swans) will also consume aquatic insects and small fish to get the protein they need for rapid growth.
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