Tundra Swan Bird Details
Cygnus columbianus
Tundra Swan,Whistling swan;
NA
George Ord, Jr. , 1830
Anseriformes (DUCKS)
Anatidae
Cygnus
- Breeds in Canada and the northern United States;
- winters primarily in the continental United States and coastal areas.
- India: Rarely sighted
Appearance :
Medium to large-sized swan with predominantly white plumage. The head and neck are long and graceful. Young swans (cygnets) are greyish-brown with some white feathers.
Behaviour :
Generally social, often seen in family groups or larger flocks. Known for their high-pitched whistling calls, which give them their common name. Can be aggressive during the breeding season when defending their nests.
Habitat :
Breeds in Arctic tundra wetlands, including lakes, ponds, and marshes. Winters in estuaries, coastal bays, and lakes in more temperate regions.
Diet :
Primarily herbivorous, feeding on aquatic plants, roots, tubers, and some grains. They also eat small invertebrates and insects, especially during the breeding season.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
Breeds in North America, particularly in Alaska and parts of Canada. Winters along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the United States, and in parts of northern Mexico.
Population Size :
Estimated population size is around 100,000 to 200,000 individuals.
Life Span :
Typically lives around 10 to 20 years in the wild.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: A large, elegant bird with a long neck and a rounded body, primarily covered in white feathers.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 10 to 12 cm.
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is proportionally small and white, with a gently rounded shape.
- Bill: The bill is relatively short, black with a yellow patch in some populations;
- Bill Length: Typically around 8 to 10 cm long.
Length :
Length ranges from 120 to 150 cm (47 to 59 inches).
Neck :
Very long and graceful, typically held in an "S" shape.
Size :
Medium to large-sized swan, with males generally being larger than females.
Tail Details :
- Tail: Short and rounded, often held flat.
- Tail Length: Approximately 15 to 20 cm.
- Feathers: Dense and waterproof, with a soft undercoat providing insulation.
Weight :
Typically weighs between 6.5 to 11 kg (14 to 24 pounds).
Wing :
Broad and pointed wings, designed for strong flight.
Wing Span :
Wingspan ranges from 160 to 180 cm (63 to 71 inches).
Facial Feature :
The Tundra Swan has a relatively small head with a straight, elongated bill that may exhibit a yellow patch near the eye, particularly in some subspecies.
Nest Details :
- Nest: Nests are typically built near water in marshy areas and are often situated on raised ground to avoid flooding.
- Nest Made Up Of: The nest is constructed from various materials including grasses, sedges, and down feathers, providing insulation and protection.
Breeding Season :
Breeding typically occurs from late April to early June.
Nesting Season :
The nesting season coincides with the thawing of tundra wetlands in late spring.
Egg Color :
The eggs are usually pale blue to greenish in color.
Egg Length :
Approximately 10 to 12 cm (4 to 4.7 inches).
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: Around 6 to 8 cm (2.4 to 3.1 inches).
- Egg Weight: About 200 to 300 grams per egg.
Clutch Size :
Clutch size generally consists of 3 to 8 eggs, with an average of 4 to 6.
No. of Broods :
Typically one brood per year.
Incubation Period :
The incubation period lasts about 30 to 32 days.
Nestling Period :
Cygnets are precocial and leave the nest within a day or two after hatching.
Vocalization :
Known for their characteristic high-pitched whistling calls, often referred to as “whistling swans.”
Sex Demorphism :
There is minimal sexual dimorphism; males (cobs) are slightly larger than females (pens), but both sexes look quite similar.
Migration Details :
- Migration Pattern: Tundra Swans are migratory birds, traveling long distances between their breeding and wintering grounds.
- Migration Period: Migration generally occurs from late September to November for southward movement and from late March to early May for returning to breeding grounds.
- Migration Route: Breeds in the Arctic tundra and migrates to coastal areas of the United States and Canada during winter. Common migration routes include the Pacific Flyway and the Atlantic Flyway.
