The Trumpeter Swan and the Tundra Swan are two of the largest and most beautiful birds found in North America. These gentle giants are often seen swimming in lakes, rivers, and ponds in the northern parts of the United States and Canada during their breeding season. However, telling the two species apart can be a bit of a challenge, even for experienced bird watchers. Here we will discuss some of the features that will help you distinguish a Trumpeter Swan from a Tundra Swan.

Size and Appearance:
Trumpeter Swans are the largest waterfowl in North America, measuring up to 6 feet in length and weighing about 25 pounds. They have a long, broad neck, a thick body, and a large, heavy bill that is triangular in shape. Their plumage is all white except for a black bill and feet.

Tundra Swans, on the other hand, are slightly smaller, measuring up to 4 feet in length and weighing around 15 pounds. They have a relatively short neck, a slender body, and a relatively small, thin bill that is more rounded in shape compared to the Trumpeter Swan. Their plumage is also predominantly white, but they have a black bill with a small yellow patch just before the eyes, and their feet and legs are black.

Voice:
One of the most distinct features of the Trumpeter Swan is its hoarse, trumpet-like call that can be heard from a distance of up to a mile. In contrast, Tundra Swans have a softer, more musical call that sounds like a “coo-roo-coo-coo” or a “whoop-oh”. This difference in vocalization can be helpful in identifying swans, especially when they are out of sight.

Range and Habitat:
Trumpeter Swans are primarily found in the Pacific Northwest and northern Great Lakes region of North America, although they have also been reintroduced in other parts of North America. They prefer to breed in shallow wetlands, lakes, and ponds, and are commonly seen in coastal estuaries and river deltas during winter.

Tundra Swans, as their name suggests, breed on the arctic tundras of North America, Europe, and Asia, and migrate to the southern United States during winter. They are often seen feeding along coastal marshes, lakes, and rivers during their migration.

Behavior:
Trumpeter Swans are generally more territorial than Tundra Swans and will defend their breeding and feeding areas aggressively. They also tend to stick to predictable flight patterns and may fly in a straight line or in V-formation. Tundra Swans are more social and generally mix with other waterfowl, including other swan species.

In conclusion, while Trumpeter and Tundra Swans may be difficult to tell apart at first glance, careful observation of their size, bill shape, voice, range, and behavior can help experienced bird watchers distinguish between the two species. Regardless of their differences, both swan species are majestic and beautiful birds that are a joy to observe in the wild.