Swans

SWANSBy: Cody Self and Jesse Wallace

TUNDRA SWAN Also known as the whistling swan. Distinguished by large yellow patches

on face. Length: 47.2-57.9in. Wingspan: 66.1in. On average Weight: 134-370.4oz.

BREEDING SEASON During breeding season, tundra swan

sleeps almost entirely on land. Winter, sleeps more often on water. Breeds on high tundra across top of

north America. Lays 3-5 eggs Covered with down and eyes open. Leaves nest within 24 hours of hatching

and has the ability to swim and feed.

HOW TO LIVE? Predators: foxes, weasels, jaegers, and

gulls. Parents try to hide nest in tall grass. Food: aquatic plants, seeds, grains,

some mollusks, and arthropods. Usually will stay in flocks, except when

breeding.

MUTE SWAN (CYGNUS OLOR) Adult: large, all-white, long curved neck,

orange bill, and black face. Length: 50-59.8in. Wingspan: 81.9-93.7in. Weight: 194-504oz.

BREEDING SEASON Cygnets when hatched are dirty gray or

white. Legs are gray or pinkish, and the bill is

usually gray or tan. 1-11 eggs Eggs are blue-green when laid and then

they turn white, then brown.

HOW TO LIVE? Habitat: shallow coastal ponds,

estuaries, bogs, and streams following into lakes.

Food: aquatic plants and some aquatic animals

Aggressive

TRUMPETER SWAN (OLOR BUCCINATOR) Weight: 25-35 pounds Worlds largest waterfowl Wingspan can reach up to 8ft. Snowy white feathers, and a jet-black

bill Majestic bird Thin orange line on lower part of bill

BREEDING SEASON 1-9 eggs Eggs are creamy white color Habitat: includes a riverine, wetlands,

lakes, ponds, and marshes. Winter, they can be found on tidal

estuaries. 8-10 weeks of age, half there adult size.

HOW TO LIVE? Nesting: by water, they could be on a

beaver lodge or a small island. Feed on grains, grasses and aquatic

vegetation. Breed in fresh water marshes and along

ponds and lakes.

COSCOROBA SWAN Black feathers can be seen when swans

are taking off. Male is slightly bigger Wingspan: 480mm. Weight: 3.8-5.4kg. Female wingspan: 427-458mm. Weight: 3.8kg.

BREEDING SEASON Only in found in South America Lays 4-6 eggs Nests built by grasses and other

vegetations Female incubates eggs while male is

close by to defend territory. Mother takes two breaks a day to eat

HOW TO LIVE? Very sociable with other waterfowl. Seen in pairs or flocks, also been seen

flying with flamingos. Food: vegetation, nuts, and seeds