Trumpeter Swan - Sierra Club BC
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Trumpeter Swan

CAN BE FOUND IN:

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

APPEARANCE

The trumpeter swan is the heaviest living bird native to North America, and one of the largest flying birds on the planet! They can weigh up to 33 lbs and have a wingspan of up to 2.5 metres.

Swans are closely related to geese, but they are much larger, and have bigger necks and feet. Swans found in North America most often have white feathers. Swans have teeth-like features in their bills which they use for catching and chewing fish. 

Male and female swans look very similar, except males are generally larger and weigh more than females. Young swans generally have grey plumage. 

RANGE & HABITAT

Trumpeter swans live in habitats with a freshwater source and lush vegetation for protection from predators for themselves and their young. Some examples are ponds, marshes, lakes, and wetlands. When these freshwater areas freeze, swans may move to estuaries (habitats where freshwater rivers meet the saltwater ocean). Estuaries do not freeze because salt water is more resistant to freezing. Trumpeter swans are well adapted for the cold. Their dense layer of down feathers allows them to tolerate temperatures as low as -30C degrees! 

Reciprocal Relationships

Trumpeter swans are omnivores, primarily feeding on aquatic plants, small fish, and fish roe. These swans will eat crops like corn and barley during the winter months. Predators of the swan include humans, foxes, wolves, and raccoons. These predators are a significant threat to swans’ eggs, which motivates swans to hide their nests in thick vegetation. Swans and their eggs are a delicacy for many Coastal First Nations along the Pacific Ocean.

Swan eggs take around 35 days to hatch. During this time, the mother keeps them warm and protected in a nest, usually well-hidden in the swan’s habitat. The baby swans are called cygnets. Cygnets can swim as soon as they are born, but cannot fly for four to five months. Cygnets’ grey feathers turn white after two years. Swans fully mature at three years, and usually find a mate by the time they turn four. Swans have one mate for life. For the Secwepemc, the swan was a figure noted for his goodness and his wisdom.

Status

COSEWIC: Not at Risk 
CDC: Yellow 

MORE INFORMATION 

If you belong to a First Nation with a story or piece of information not represented here and you would like to share more about this species, please email us at education@sierraclub.bc.ca

Photo Credit

Canva

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