Trumpeter Swan – State Wildlife Action Plan

Trumpeter Swan

Photo Credit: Tom Koerner, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) is the largest native waterfowl in North America, with a mass of up to 30 pounds. Plumage in adults is entirely white, and juveniles are mouse-gray. The bill is black, with a triangular patch of black facial skin between the eyes and the bill. They are an average of 5 feet in length, weigh an average of 17 to 28 pounds, and have a wingspan of approximately 6.5 to 8 feet. Their neck is as long as their body, which is used to reach food at the bottom of lakes and ponds. The head profile of a Trumpeter Swan is more wedge-shaped than that of related Tundra Swans, sloping straight from the eyes to the tip of the beak. A deep-tone trumpet voice is characteristic of Trumpeter Swans.

Overview

  • Species Common Name Trumpeter Swan
  • Species Scientific Name Cygnus buccinator
  • State Listing Status Sensitive

Ecoregions

Special needs

Trumpeter Swans are closely associated with wetlands. Breeding pairs, wintering birds, and migrants need high-quality semi-permanent to permanent marshes, ponds, or other water bodies with submerged aquatic plants for foraging and emergent vegetation for nesting. They require sites with minimal human disturbance for breeding.

Limiting factors

Trumpeter Swans breed in small numbers in eastern Oregon and have low recruitment. Remaining suitable habitat is limited in Eastern Oregon. Remaining suitable habitat is degraded in most of the Harney Basin due to a common carp infestation. Poor habitat conditions during drought years, powerline collisions, and lead poisoning can also impact this species.

Conservation actions

• Improve and protect emergent wetlands through enhanced water distribution and management capability.
• Mark/modify known powerline collision hazards.
• Continue translocation efforts in the Summer Lake basin to enhance/expand the Oregon breeding population.
• Explore feasibility of reintroductions in other suitable breeding habitats.

Key reference or plan

Pacific Flyway Council Management Plan: Rocky Mountain Population of Trumpeter Swans. Read here