Trumpeter Swan

The Trumpeter Swan is North America's largest waterfowl species, a bird whose populations declined dramatically due to hunting and habitat loss before recovering through decades of conservation effort. It breeds on interior lakes, rivers, and marshes across parts of Alaska, Canada, and the northern United States, and its resonant, trumpet-like call gives the species its name.

Contour feathers are large, dense, and pure white with a substantial layer of insulating down beneath, reflecting the species' cold-climate habits. Flight feathers are correspondingly massive, among the largest of any North American bird. The head and neck feathers are sometimes stained orange-rust from iron compounds in the mud and vegetation where the bird feeds, a mark shared with Tundra Swan. The black facial skin extends smoothly to the eye without a contrasting yellow spot at the base of the bill, a useful distinction from many Tundra Swans, which often (but not always) show a small yellow lore spot.

Sexes are alike, with males somewhat larger. Cygnets are pale gray, gradually molting into white plumage over their first one to two years. Adults undergo a complete flightless molt after breeding.

Breeds on secluded lakes, ponds, and slow rivers with abundant aquatic vegetation across Alaska, western Canada, and reintroduced areas of the northern United States. Some populations are resident where open water persists year-round, while others migrate to ice-free wetlands for winter.

Feeds by dabbling and upending to reach submerged aquatic plants, as well as grazing on land. Builds a large mound nest of vegetation near water, defended vigorously by both parents. Pairs form long-term bonds. Known for a deep, resonant, trumpet-like call, audible over long distances and the source of its common name.