Barron’s Trumpeter Swans Vs. Other Swan Species: How do They Compare?

Swans are magnificent birds with their graceful movements and their dazzling, white plumage. They have been immortalized in literature, folklore, and even mythology. In the United States, one of the most iconic swan species is the Barron’s trumpeter swan. Let’s compare Barron’s trumpeter swans to other swan species.

Trumpeter swans are the largest of all native North American waterfowl species, weighing up to 32 pounds and measuring 6 to 8 feet in wingspan. In comparison, the mutes swan, another iconic swan species, weighs between 20 and 30 pounds and is smaller in wingspan. Tundra swans weigh around 16 pounds and are 4.5 to 5.5 feet in wingspan. So, Barron’s trumpeter swans are the clear winner when it comes to size.

Another distinguishing feature of the Barron’s trumpeter swan is their distinctive honking sound. They use it to communicate with other birds and establish their territory. The mutes swan also has a vocalization, but it is typically a softer, murmuring sound. The tundra swan’s call is a high-pitched, musical whistle.

Trumpeter swans are also notable for their white feathers, which consist of more than 25,000 individual feathers. Their feathers are so thick and fluffy that they insulate them from the cold. In contrast, tundra swans have grey feathers, while mutes swans have a more yellowish or creamy tone.

When it comes to diet, trumpeter swans are primarily herbivores, feeding on aquatic plants and invertebrates. Mutes swans tend to be opportunistic feeders, eating anything from plants to small animals such as fish and insects. Tundra swans feed on aquatic plants and invertebrates as well.

One of the most significant differences between all three species of swans is their breeding patterns and behavior. Trumpeter swans tend to be monogamous, forming lifelong pair bonds and both parents caring for the young. Mutes swans have a similar breeding pattern, but tundra swans tend to be more solitary during the breeding season, with males and females only forming pairs temporarily.

To summarize, Barron’s trumpeter swans are the largest and have a distinctive honking sound, while tundra swans have a more high-pitched, musical whistle. Mutes swans tend to be opportunistic feeders, while trumpeter swans feed mainly on aquatic plants. While all three swan species are beautiful, Barron’s trumpeter swans have a few standout features that make them unique amongst swan species.