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© Photographs Taken By: Rachel Dodge
To many
the Trumpeter Swan is the embodiment of strength,
grace, beauty, and
unspoiled wilderness.
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Status: Trumpeters are the rarest swan in the world. At one
time they were abundant in North America but by the early 1900's, they were
nearly extinct. Huge numbers had been shot for their down, feathers or
meat. Increasing settlement disturbed suitable nesting areas.An
international restoration program began in the 1930's and trumpeter swans
have responded well. They are still considered vulnerable in Canada,
with about 550 swans nesting in Yukon, northern B.C., southwestern N.W.T.
and the Grande Prairie/Peace River region of Alberta.
Swans have survived in captivity for up to 35 years, but in the wild most
swans live for less than 12 years.
і Yahoo, "Rays Web," The Trumpeter Swan.
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IDENTIFYING - TRUMPETER
SWANS |
© Photographs Taken By: Rachel Dodge
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 | There are three species of swans in North America. The Trumpeter
Swan (Cygnus Buccinator) and Tundra Swan (C. Columbianus) are indigenous,
while the Mute Swan (Cygnus Olor) is a Eurasian species that has been
introduced and now breeds in the wild in some areas. All three are
very large, all-white birds.
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і Yahoo, "The Trumpeter Swan Society," Idendification.
| The adult Trumpeter Swans are large birds with white feathers and
black legs and feet. The feathers of the head and the upper part of
the neck often become stained orange as a result of feeding in areas rich
in iron salts. The lack of colour anywhere on the bodies
distinguishes them from other white species of waterfowl, such as snow
geese, which have black wing tips. At close range, an observer
should look for a salmon-red line on the lower bill. The male swan,
or cob, weighs an average of 12 kg. The female, or pen, is slightly
smaller, averaging 10 kg. Wings may span 3 m. Young of the
year, or cygnets, can be distinguished from adults by their grey plumage,
their yellowish legs and feet, and until their second summer of life, the
smaller size. |
і Yahoo, "Canadian Wildlife Service," Description.
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| The Trumpeter Swan Society |
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(763) 476-4663 |
| 3800 County Road 24 |
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(763) 476-1514 - Fax |
| Maple Plain, MN 55359 |
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| Swan Refuge Located at Baker
Park Northern Tip of Orono! |
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| E-Mail:
ttss@threeriversparkdistrict.org |
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