Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

 

The Trumpeter Swan is the largest of the swan species. The male weighs around 12kg and the female 9.3kg. The wingspan is 3m. It has a distinctive black bill. Trumpeters breed in northern USA and Canada.

 

The Trumpeter Swan was heavily hunted during the nineteenth century, killed for their feathers and down. By 1932 it was estimated that there were only 69 individuals left, most of these in the Yellowstone National Park plus a few in Canada.

 

With protection, numbers are increasing and it is estimated that there are now around 14,000 individuals.

 

Image courtesy of E.J.Peiker

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Image courtesy of Dr Arnie Fredrickson