ExploreBird

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

The Tundra Swan is a beautiful bird that migrates long distances! It has a lovely white body and a bright yellow patch on its face.

Habitat: Wetlands and coastal areas

Appearance

The Tundra Swan is a medium-sized white swan with a long, elegant neck. It typically has a black bill, often with a small yellow spot near the eye, and black legs and feet. It is visually distinct from the larger Trumpeter Swan by its often smaller size and the yellow marking.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderAnseriformesFamilyAnatidaeGenusCygnus

Tundra Swan

Interesting facts

A group of flying swans is called a "wedge" – very cool!

Baby swans, called cygnets, are born gray and turn white later.

They swallow grit and small stones to help digest tough plants.

Tundra Swans mate for life and teach their young migration routes.

Special abilities

Tundra Swans can migrate thousands of kilometers because of their incredible stamina, helping them find food and avoid harsh winter ice.

Tundra Swans have extra-long necks that allow them to reach aquatic plants deep underwater, a crucial food source.

Tundra Swans can make varied trumpeting calls because of their long windpipe, helping them communicate within their flock.

Measurements & details

Length: 120-150 cm
Wingspan: 170-200 cm
Weight: 6-9 kg
Lifespan: 10-20 years
Top Speed: 80 km/h
Clutch Size: 3-5
Incubation: 31-32 days
Migration Distance: 6000 km

Diet & Feeding

These large birds munch on tasty underwater plants and grains from farm fields!

Primary Foods

aquatic plant roots
seeds
farm grains
grasses

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Arctic Fox

Vulpes lagopus

Foxes prey on Tundra Swan eggs and young cygnets on the tundra.

eaten by

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Eagles may hunt young Tundra Swan cygnets in some wintering areas.

eats

Curled Pondweed

Potamogeton crispus

Swans forage extensively on the roots and tubers of pondweed species.

eats

Corn

Zea mays

They feed on waste grain like corn in agricultural fields during migration.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Feathered

These are animals covered in soft, beautiful feathers that help them fly, stay warm, and even attract mates! Think of all the amazing birds you know.

Webbed Feet

These animals have special feet with skin between their toes, which helps them swim super fast!

Herbivorous

Meet the peaceful munchers and grazers who find all their nourishment from plants, leaves, and fruits. They transform plant energy into life!

Wetland

These fascinating areas are covered by water for at least part of the year, creating a perfect home for unique plants and animals, like marshes and swamps.

Migratory

Follow incredible journeys across the world! These animals travel far and wide at different times of the year, often to find better food or warmer places.