Barron’s Trumpeter Swans are stunningly beautiful and fascinating creatures. These majestic birds are native to North America and are the largest waterfowl species in the world. Trumpeter swans are named after their distinctive trumpeting calls, which sound like a French horn. Here are five unexpected facts about Barron’s Trumpeter Swans that you may not know.

1. They Mate for Life

Trumpeter swans are known to mate for life, and they form strong bonds with their partners. These birds mate when they are around four years old and can live up to 25 years in the wild. Trumpeter swan couples are fiercely protective of their nests and their young. They are excellent parents and work together to raise their chicks.

2. They Can Fly Up to 80 Miles Per Hour

Despite their size, Barron’s Trumpeter Swans are incredibly fast flyers. These birds can fly up to 80 miles per hour when they need to escape danger or migrate. They have powerful wings that enable them to soar high in the sky and reach great speeds. Trumpeter swans are also excellent swimmers and divers. They can swim underwater for up to a minute and a half to catch their prey.

3. They Have Unique Beaks

Barron’s Trumpeter Swans have unique beaks that are adapted to their feeding habits. These birds use their beaks to filter aquatic plants and small animals from the water. Their bills have small serrations that aid in grasping and tearing apart their food. Trumpeter swans are also able to use their bills to dig up roots and tubers from the ground.

4. Their Feathers Have Unique Properties

Trumpeter swans have special feathers that help them stay warm and dry in cold, wet conditions. Their feathers are incredibly dense and provide excellent insulation. They also secrete an oil that makes their feathers water-resistant. This oil helps the birds stay dry when they are swimming and protects their feathers from damage.

5. They Were Almost Hunted to Extinction

Unfortunately, Barron’s Trumpeter Swans were almost hunted to extinction in the early 20th century. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, these birds were hunted for their feathers, which were used to make fashionable hats. The population of Trumpeter swans declined rapidly, and by the 1930s, there were only around 70 birds left in the wild. Conservation efforts were put in place, and the population of Trumpeter swans has since rebounded. Today, there are approximately 70,000 Trumpeter swans in North America.

In conclusion, Barron’s Trumpeter Swans are remarkable birds that are full of surprises. They are beautiful, powerful, and incredibly adaptive creatures that have survived against all odds. By learning more about these amazing animals, we can better appreciate and protect them.