Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

The tundra swan is a large, all-white waterfowl species. Adults have:

• A black bill, often with a yellow spot at the base in front of the eye.
• A long, slender neck held straight in the air while swimming and flying.

Tundra swans can grow to about 4.5 feet with a wingspan of about 80 inches. Males tend to be slightly larger than females.

Where does the tundra swan live?

Tundra swans can be found in the shallow waters of the Bay and its lakes, ponds and rivers beginning in late October and early November. In the spring they migrate to the arctic tundra and remain there for the summer.

What does the tundra swan eat?

Tundra swans eat seeds and bay grasses like widgeon grass and sago pondweed. They feed by "tipping up," or immersing their head and neck underwater to reach grasses at the bottom. They will also eat winter wheat and other grains on farm fields.

What does the tundra swan sound like?

Tundra swans make a high, mellow whooping woo-hoo, woo-hoo, woo-hoo, which is often heard before the swans can be seen in the air.

Where does the tundra swan nest and breed?

Tundra swans breed during the summer in the arctic tundra. In the fall, adults and their young, called cygnets, fly south to the Bay region.

• Tundra swan cygnets are as large as adults but are brownish-gray in color.
• They molt to white by late winter and early spring, when the swans once again leave the Bay region for the tundra.

Other facts about the tundra swan:

• The tundra swan is one of only two native swan species in North America; the other is the trumpeter swan, which is a rare visitor to the Bay region.
• Tundra swans can be confused with the invasive mute swan. You can distinguish a tundra swan by its black bill, straight neck and smaller size. Also, tundra swans are only found in the Bay region from late autumn through early spring, while mute swans live here year-round.
• Tundra swans migrate in large V-shaped or ribbon-like flocks.
• Swans are strong flyers. They begin their flight by running several feet across the water, then slapping their wings on the surface before becoming airborne.