Trumpeter swans are the largest native waterfowl species in North America. They are highly recognizable with their snowy-white feathers and long, elegant necks. Here are ten fun facts about Trumpeter swans that you might not know:

1. Trumpeter Swans can weigh up to 30 pounds, and their wingspans can reach up to 10 feet. This makes them one of the largest birds in North America.

2. They are called “trumpeter” swans because of their deep, trumpet-like calls. These calls can be heard up to three miles away.

3. The swans mate for life and are known for their strong pair bonds. A pair of swans will often return to the same nesting site year after year.

4. The trumpeter swan is a symbol of grace and beauty in many Native American cultures. The Lakota Sioux call the swan “wanji-toka” or “big white bird.”

5. Trumpeter swans were once hunted nearly to extinction for their feathers and meat. By the 1930s, there were only 70 known swans left in North America.

6. In the 1950s, a dedicated conservation effort began to bring the trumpeter swan back from the brink of extinction. Today, there are an estimated 46,000 trumpeter swans in North America.

7. Trumpeter swans are monogamous and will often return to the same breeding grounds year after year. They build their nests in shallow ponds or on islands in lakes.

8. The average lifespan of a trumpeter swan is about 20 years, but some swans have been known to live up to 30 years in the wild.

9. Trumpeter swans are excellent swimmers and can dive up to 20 feet deep to catch fish. They are also capable of reaching speeds of up to 50 miles per hour while in flight.

10. The trumpeter swan was nearly hunted to extinction, but it has made an incredible recovery thanks to conservation efforts. Today, the swan remains a symbol of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity.