Trumpeter swans are the largest waterfowl in North America. These majestic birds can grow up to 60 inches long and weigh up to 30 pounds. Trumpeter swans are named after their loud trumpet-like calls, which can be heard from several miles away.

Trumpeter swans were once abundant in North America, but their populations declined drastically in the 19th and early 20th centuries due to hunting and habitat loss. By the mid-20th century, only about 70 trumpeter swans were known to exist in the U.S.

Efforts to conserve and reintroduce trumpeter swans have been ongoing since the 1930s. Today, there are estimated to be over 63,000 trumpeter swans in North America, thanks to conservation efforts and strict hunting regulations.

Trumpeter swans are known for their pure white feathers and long necks. They have a wingspan of up to 8 feet and can fly at speeds of up to 50 mph. Trumpeter swans are impressive swimmers as well and are able to dive up to 20 feet to feed on aquatic plants, fish, and invertebrates.

Trumpeter swans form lifelong partnerships and typically mate for life. They build their nests in shallow water near the shore, using vegetation and other materials to create a floating platform. Females lay an average of 4-6 eggs per year, which hatch after about 35 days. The cygnets, or baby swans, stay with their parents for up to a year before they mature and start their own families.

In addition to their beauty and grace, trumpeter swans play an important role in their ecosystems. They are seed dispersers, as they feed on aquatic plants and then distribute their seeds throughout wetland areas. Trumpeter swans also help to control populations of fish and invertebrates by consuming them.

Visitors to many North American waterways can observe trumpeter swans in their natural habitat. Protected areas such as national wildlife refuges and state parks offer opportunities for visitors to view these magnificent creatures up close. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect these symbolically important and ecologically vital birds.