Trumpeter swans are extraordinary birds, known for their grace and elegance. They are admired for their pure white feathers, long necks, and distinctive bugle-like calls, which can be heard from a distance. Trumpeter swans are the largest waterfowl species in North America, and they are closely related to the mute swan and the tundra swan. Here are some fascinating facts and behaviors that you didn’t know about these beautiful birds.

1. They mate for life

Trumpeter swans are known for their strong pair bonds. They usually mate for life and form strong family units. Both males and females take turns incubating their eggs and caring for their young. It’s not uncommon to see a pair of trumpeter swans swimming together in a lake or river, with their cygnets following closely behind.

2. They can live for over 20 years

Trumpeter swans have a long lifespan, with some individuals living up to 25 years in the wild. They mature at three to four years of age and can start breeding at five to seven years old. Older birds often have larger broods and may have higher breeding success rates than younger birds.

3. They have a unique bugle-like call

Trumpeter swans are famous for their distinctive bugle-like call, which can carry for miles over water. The call is a series of deep, resonant notes that can be heard from a distance of up to three miles. The trumpeter’s call is a form of communication between birds, and it’s used to establish and maintain pair bonds, as well as to warn other swans of danger.

4. They eat aquatic vegetation and small animals

Trumpeter swans are herbivores, and their diet consists mainly of aquatic vegetation. They also feed on small invertebrates, such as insects, snails, and crustaceans. They are known to forage in shallow waters, where they can easily reach plants and animals at the bottom of the lake or river.

5. They were once endangered

Trumpeter swans were hunted to near extinction in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. By the 1930s, their population had dwindled to just a few hundred birds. Thanks to conservation efforts and the protection of their habitat, their numbers have rebounded, and today, there are estimated to be over 46,000 trumpeter swans in North America.

In conclusion, trumpeter swans are remarkable birds that are worthy of admiration and protection. Their strong pair bonds, bugle-like calls, and unique behaviors make them fascinating to observe in their natural habitat. By understanding more about these birds, we can help ensure their future survival and the conservation of their wetland habitats.