America’s Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) is the largest and most impressive waterfowl species native to North America. It is also the swan species best known for creating the iconic trumpeting sound that echoes across lakes and rivers.

The Trumpeter Swan is a regal bird covered in white feathers with a long, S-shaped neck and a black bill with a conspicuous knob on the forehead. Both males and females look similar, and they have a wingspan that stretches up to 8 feet. The Trumpeter Swan has a lifespan of up to 24 years, and they mate for life, establishing long-term bonds that last for many breeding seasons.

Trumpeter Swans have a magnificent breeding season that lasts from March to June. During this time, they establish territories and perform elaborate courtship behaviors. The swans mate for life and usually return to the same breeding territories each year. The breeding process starts with the male trumpeting loudly and flapping his wings to signal his territory. Once a pair is established, they build a nest on the shore or an island in a lake. The female lays up to six eggs, which both parents incubate for about 33 days. The chicks are born with fluffy, gray feathers, and it takes about 120 days for them to fully mature.

Trumpeter Swans are famous for their trumpet-like calls. They make a variety of sounds, ranging from soft cooing to loud trumpeting that can be heard up to three miles away. Their call is a vital aspect of their behavior, used to communicate with their mate, juveniles, and other swans. The Trumpeter Swan’s call is an essential feature of nature’s symphony, and it is eagerly awaited every year.

Trumpeter Swans were once common throughout North America, but they were hunted extensively for their feathers, meat, and skin. By the early 1900s, their population had declined to just 69 individuals. Thanks to successful conservation programs, their population has rebounded, peaking at over 40,000 individuals from Alaska to Mexico. Despite this success, Trumpeter Swans are still listed as “threatened” due to habitat loss and other human activities.

The Trumpeter Swan is an important species in its habitat, acting as a keystone species and an indicator of environmental health. It is a significant symbol of North America’s waterways and wetlands, and its call is an iconic sound of nature. The Trumpeter Swan’s survival is as important as its call, and it remains a vital part of the natural ecosystem. Let’s join in the effort to conserve this majestic bird species for generations to come.