Cygnus buccinator
The Trumpeter Swan is quickly recovering from being hunted almost to extinction for its feathers and meat early in the 20th century. In fact, biologists are now concerned about the large concentrations of these birds that pack wintering areas throughout western North America. To lessen the threat of disease and the loss of food resources, biologists have been actively transporting swans to less-used sites to ease overcrowding. The best places to see the Trumpeter Swan-the world's largest species of waterfowl-may be in parts of the Rocky Mountains. The Trumpeter Swan is present year-round in the greater Yellowstone area, with hundreds gathering there on open water during winter. Both 'trumpeter' and buccinator refer to this species's loud, bugling voice. |
I.D.: Sexes similar: all-white plumage; large, solid black bill; black feet; no black on wings; no yellow 'teardrop'; neck is held straight, with a kink at the base, while standing or swimming. Immature: gray-brown plumage; gray bill. Size: L 59-72 in. (150-183 cm); W 8 ft. (2.4 m). Range: year-round resident in Yellowstone NP, Red Rock Lakes NWR and vicinity; uncommon migrant and breeder in the Canadian Rockies. Habitat: lakes and large wetlands; locally restricted. Nesting: builds large mounds of vegetation, often on top of muskrat or beaver lodges, and occasionally on shores; female incubates usually 4-6 eggs. Feeding: tips up, surface gleans and occasionally grazes for vegetation, primarily sago pondweed, duckweed, tubers and roots. Voice: loud, resonant and bugle-like koh-hoh. Similar Species: Tundra Swan: smaller; migrant through the Rockies; yellow 'teardrop' in front of eye; softer, nasal voice. Snow Goose: smaller; black wing tips; shorter neck. |
