ANIMAL: Trumpeter Swan Cygnus buccinator Type of Animal: Swan Habitat: Wetlands, lakes, ponds, marshes, open wooded areas, prairies, estuaries (especially tidal ones), rivers, streams, harvested agricultural fields, cropland, shallow undisturbed bodies of freshwater w/ abundant aquatic plants, open water, beaver/muskrat dens (for nesting), small islands, inlets w/ moving water, springs, reservoirs, deep ponds of reclaimed surface mines, pastures, bays, coastal areas, brackish areas, forests, tundra, can be found in fresh, brackish, & saltwater, Location(s): Historically found in Alaska, Canada, & almost all lower 48 (wintering in southern areas like Florida & Texas)-now fragmented but still found in Canada, Alaska, W, C, & N part of continental US. Still winters in parts of California, Texas, Louisiana etc. Also winters in parts of N Mexico Appearance: Largest waterfowl species in world, adults white w/ wedge-shaped black bills, juveniles/cygnets darker w/ light gray plumage & pinkish legs, legs typically gray-pink but can be yellowish-gray or black Food/Diet: Aquatic plants, roots, tubers, leaves, stems, rhizomes, grasses, shoots, waste crops, grains, vegetables, vegetable/tuber crops, algae, insects, insect larvae, worms, small fish, fish eggs, small crustaceans Status in Wild: Stable Conservation: Breeding in zoos, wildlife parks, & breeding centers. Reintroductions into areas of former range. Lifestyle: Flocks range from 2-50 birds. Break off into monogamous pairs for breeding/nesting season. Additional Info: Called: Male: Cob Female: Pen Young: Cygnet Group: Flock/Bevy Weight: Male: 30 lbs Female: 21 lbs Young: 8 lbs Gestation: 4-5 weeks Life Span: 15-25 years Height: Male: 4 ft Female: 3.5 ft Body Length: Male: 4.82 ft Female: 4.76 ft Tail Length: 0.4 ft, same for both sexes Main predators of adults are bears, wolves, coyotes, foxes, eagles, bobcats, wolverines, great horned owls, otters, dogs, & mountain lions. Snapping turtles, hawks, owls, mink, ravens, & California gulls eat cygnets. Raccoons sometimes take subadults. Sexually mature at 2 years old-choose mates w/ highly vocal courtship displays.” Triumph ceremony” involves birds facing each other, raising wings, & calling loudly. Once mates chosen, they stay together for life-only taking new mate if 1 dies. Females have 6.5 ft wingspan, males have an 8 ft wingspan. Driven almost to extinction by early 20th century due to hunting for feathers/skin/eggs/meat. N America’s heaviest flying bird. Warm eggs by covering them w/ webbed feet. Cygnets stay w/ parents for up to a year. Usually breed in spring. Fun Fact(s): Highly territorial during breeding/nesting season, even attacking people & dogs, striking w/ wings. Children’s book Trumpet of the Swan about voiceless swan named Louis who plays trumpet to court partner Serena.
