A medium-sized white swan with black bill (usually with yellow spot). Migrates 6,000+ km between Arctic breeding grounds and US wintering grounds.

Also called: Whistling Swan

Native status: Native to North America

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 55–150 cm (22–60 in); wingspan 100–250 cm
Weight1.5–14 kg
LifespanWild 10–30 years
OrderAnseriformes
FamilyAnatidae

§ Encyclopedia

The tundra swan is a species of swan of the Holarctic.

Source: Wikipedia — Tundra swan Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Large all-white swan with a black bill, usually showing a small yellow spot before the eye; holds the neck straight. Smaller than Trumpeter Swan.

Similar species. Trumpeter Swan is larger with an all-black bill and a deeper, trumpeting call; Mute Swan has an orange bill. The small yellow lore spot, when present, confirms Tundra.

Voice. A mellow, high, quavering 'whoo-hoo-hoo' — more musical and higher than the Trumpeter.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Aquatic plants, grasses, grain.

Behavior. A long-distance migrant swan that breeds on arctic tundra and winters on coastal bays and flooded fields; migrates in long lines and V's, calling musically.

§ Range

Arctic North America in summer; winters US Atlantic coast, Great Salt Lake

§ Habitat

Tundra lakes in summer; coastal estuaries in winter

§ Threats

Lead poisoning from old shot in wetlands, habitat loss, climate-driven Arctic changes.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the tundra swan is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support wetland protection. Use non-toxic shot. Reduce wetland contamination.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Cornell Lab of Ornithology — All About Birds
  • National Audubon Society
  • iNaturalist
  • IUCN Red List