Trumpeter swans are one of North America’s largest waterfowl species, famous for their beautiful white feathers and trumpet-like calls. But there’s more to these majestic birds than meets the eye. Below are some surprising traits of trumpeter swans beyond their iconic white feathers.

1. They mate for life

Trumpeter swans are monogamous birds, meaning they pair up with a single mate for life. This means that they will stay together year-round and raise their young together. If one mate dies, the other bird will sometimes go on to find a new partner.

2. They have a unique courtship display

Trumpeter swans use a variety of displays to attract their mates, including wing and head movements, vocalizations, and preening. However, their most striking display is the trumpet call, which they use to communicate with their partners, establish territory, and warn of danger.

3. They are fierce defenders of their territory

Trumpeter swans are highly territorial birds and will aggressively defend their nesting sites from perceived threats. This can include other swans as well as predators like foxes, raccoons, and eagles. They have been known to attack and kill smaller animals that they see as a threat to their young.

4. They can live for decades

Trumpeter swans have a relatively long lifespan, with some individuals living for over 20 years in the wild. In captivity, they have been known to live for even longer. This means that they can have several nesting seasons with the same mate throughout their lives.

5. They are an important symbol of conservation success

Trumpeter swans were once on the brink of extinction in North America due to hunting and habitat loss. However, conservation efforts over the past century have helped to restore their populations to over 63,000 individuals. They are now considered a conservation success story and a symbol of conservation efforts in North America.

In conclusion, there’s much more to trumpeter swans than their stunning white feathers. These birds have a unique courtship display, are fiercely territorial, and are an important symbol of conservation success. Next time you see a trumpeter swan in the wild, take a moment to appreciate all of the fascinating traits and behaviors that make them such an extraordinary species.