Trumpeter Swan Images, Facts and Information:
Cygnus buccinator
- Trumpeter Swans have pure white plumage, black legs and feet and black bills. They are larger than Tundra Swans, the other native swan to North America. Trumpeter Swans are the largest waterfowl species native to North America.
- Trumpeter Swans primarily eat plant matter but will eat fish and fish eggs. Trumpeter Swans eat both during the day and night.
- Trumpeter Swans need about 100 yards of open water to take off from open water.
- Some Trumpeter Swan populations are migratory and some are resident. They were nearly hunted to extinction by 1900 but thanks a small nonmigratory population the swans have made a recovery.
- They prefer shallow freshwater lakes with plentiful aquatic vegetation for nesting habitat.
- Trumpeter Swans lay 2 to 13 eggs which take 32 to 37 days to hatch. The female incubates. Trumpeter Swans are monogamous.
- A group of swans can be called a “bevy”, “drift”, “school”, “regatta” or “ballet” of swans
- A Tundra Swan can live up to 24 years.
I hope you enjoy viewing my Trumpeter Swan photos.
Mia McPherson
Trumpeter Swans in flight
Title: Trumpeter Swans in flight
Location: Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, Centennial Valley, Beaverhead County, Montana
Date: 9/15/2010