trumpeter swan

1. Bird Name:
Commonly known as the Trumpeter Swan (English name). Its scientific (Latin) name is Cygnus buccinator.

2. Appearance:
The Trumpeter Swan is a classic vision of beauty and elegance. Known for its striking white color, its feathers often gleam in pure, snowy shades. The bird’s beak is jet black, contrasting with its bright feathers, and the eyes are dark and penetrating. Juvenile Trumpeters are not as flamboyant, carrying a gray-tone till the first year of their life before they acquire the striking white plumage. Male and female Trumpeter Swans look similar, making it difficult to differentiate between the two based on appearance alone.

3. Size:
On average, the body length of a Trumpeter Swan ranges between 138-158 cm (54-62 inches). Wingspan is impressive, extending between 203-250 cm (80-98 inches). The bird’s enormous size is complemented by its weight, which ranges from 7.7-12.7 kg, making it one of the heaviest bird species capable of flight.

4. Habitat & Distribution:
Native to North America, Trumpeter Swans are primarily found in Alaska, western Canada, and northwestern United States. Known as lovers of water, they prefer wetland habitats like shallow ponds, wide rivers, and large lakes. During the winter, some populations migrate to coastal areas and ice-free ports.

5. Interesting Facts:
The Trumpeter Swan was once on the brink of extinction in the early 20th century, but numerous conservation efforts led to their recovery. These swans practice monogamy and often mate for life. Another amazing fact is that they display abnormal feather growth known as “angel wing,” causing the last joint of their wing to twist outward.

6. Diet:
Trumpeter Swans are vegetarians, with a diet primarily consisting of aquatic plants. They enjoy consuming leaves, stems, and roots, which they gather from underwater or from land. They also eat grains and grasses.

7. Behavior & Sounds:
Trumpeter Swans are social birds and are often seen in groups, especially during migration. They display a fascinating behavior during feeds where they dip their head and neck underwater to reach plants, exposing their tail rump. Their call reflects their name, sounding similar to a trumpet or a horn.

8. Conservation Status:
Despite significant recovery from near extinction, the Trumpeter Swan is classified as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List. This status means that the species is not currently facing serious threats to its overall population.

9. Lifespan:
Trumpeter Swans have quite a long lifespan for a bird. In the wild, they can live for over 20 years, while in captivity, their life extends to about 25 years or more.

10. Additional Notes:
In terms of cultural significance, the Trumpeter Swan is often associated with beauty and grace. Their large size and distinctive sound make them easily recognizable, making them a favorite subject for bird watchers and photographers. They often live in harmony with humans, inhabiting lakes, ponds, or rivers near populated areas, although they can become territorial and aggressive during their breeding season. Trumpeter Swans play a vital role in their ecosystem by controlling the vegetation level in their wetland habitats.