# Trumpeter Swan (*Cygnus buccinator*) The Trumpeter Swan is known for its loud trumpeting call! It is one of the largest swans and has stunning white feathers. - **Category:** [Birds](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/bird) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Snaps:** 36 - **Habitat:** Wetlands and lakes - **Also known as:** Whistling Swan ![Trumpeter Swan](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426333/objects/4616.jpg) ## Appearance The Trumpeter Swan is a majestic all-white bird, the largest waterfowl in North America. It has a long, straight black bill and distinctive black lore extending from the bill to the eye, differentiating it from similar species. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Aves - **Order:** Anseriformes - **Family:** Anatidae - **Genus:** Cygnus ## Interesting facts - Baby swans are called cygnets and are born with fluffy gray down. - They mate for life, forming strong pairs that stay together year after year. - They use their strong feet to paddle and steer like rudders in the water. - Trumpeter Swans were once hunted almost to extinction, with fewer than 100 birds! ## Special abilities - **Voice of the Wild:** Trumpeter Swans can make loud, trumpet-like calls because of their long trachea, helping them communicate across vast distances. - **Deep Diver Diner:** Trumpeter Swans have long powerful necks that help them reach underwater plants up to 1.2 meters deep for food. - **Arctic Navigator:** Trumpeter Swans can fly over 2,500 kilometers during migration because of their powerful wings, enduring harsh weather. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 138-180 cm - **Wingspan:** 185-250 cm - **Weight:** 7-14 kg - **Lifespan:** 10-20 years - **Speed:** 100 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 4-9 - **Incubation:** 32-37 days - **Migration Distance:** 2500 km ## Diet & Feeding These magnificent birds primarily feast on submerged aquatic plants and tiny water creatures. - **Age differences:** Young cygnets eat more protein-rich aquatic insects to support rapid growth. - **Primary Foods:** Submerged aquatic plants, Seeds, Tubers, Leaves, Aquatic invertebrates - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eats:** [Bald Eagle](https://www.snappit.app/explore/bald-eagle) (*Haliaeetus leucocephalus*) — Predates on eggs and young cygnets, especially during nesting. - **Eats:** [Coyote](https://www.snappit.app/explore/coyote) (*Canis latrans*) — Can prey on cygnets or adults, especially during winter. - **Eaten by:** Floating Pondweed (*Potamogeton natans*) — An important food source, roots and stems are consumed. - **Eaten by:** Broadleaf Cattail (*Typha latifolia*) — Swans feed on roots and tubers of these wetland plants. ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Feathered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/feathered): Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers. - [Webbed Feet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/webbed-feet): Characterized by having toes connected by a membrane, typically aiding in swimming. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Wetland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wetland): This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs. - [Migratory](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/migratory): Migratory animals undertake seasonal movements from one region to another, typically in response to changes in climate or food availability. ## Collections - [Birds](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/birds) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Watch quietly from a distance and never try to feed or chase wild animals. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Trumpeter Swan? Compare the silhouette, bill shape, tail length, wing bars and markings around the eyes. The same small brown bird at your feeder can look quite different in breeding plumage, winter plumage or its first year. Bird Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Trumpeter Swan? 138-180 cm ### What is Trumpeter Swan's wingspan? 185-250 cm ### How much does Trumpeter Swan weigh? 7-14 kg ### How long does Trumpeter Swan live? 10-20 years ### How fast can Trumpeter Swan move? 100 km/h ### What does Trumpeter Swan eat? These magnificent birds primarily feast on submerged aquatic plants and tiny water creatures. ### Where is Trumpeter Swan usually found? Wetlands and lakes ## Where to spot - [Five Channels Dam](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/five-channels-dam) — Michigan, US · Historic Site - [Kentucky Horse Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/kentucky-horse-park) — Kentucky, US · Nature Reserve - [Pointe Mouillee State Game Area](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/pointe-mouillee-state-game-area) — Michigan, US · Nature Reserve - [Polebridge Ranger Station Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/polebridge-ranger-station-historic-district) — Montana, US · Historic District - [African Safari Wildlife Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/african-safari-wildlife-park) — Ohio, US · Zoo - [Akron Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/akron-zoo) — Ohio, US · Zoo [View all places to see Trumpeter Swan](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/trumpeter-swan) ## More Birds - [Black-crowned Night Heron](https://www.snappit.app/explore/black-crowned-night-heron) (*Nycticorax nycticorax*) - [Anna's Hummingbird](https://www.snappit.app/explore/annas-hummingbird) (*Calypte anna*) - [Great Egret](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-egret) (*Ardea alba*) - [Blue Jay](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blue-jay) (*Cyanocitta cristata*) --- Source: [Trumpeter Swan: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/trumpeter-swan)