Wildlife Wednesday 02/25/2026

Happy #WildlifeWednesday!

Let’s talk about the largest waterfowl in North America, the Trumpeter Swan!

Reaching a body length of over 6 feet, weighing close to 30 pounds, and possessing an 8-foot wingspan, these enormous avians are the heaviest flying bird on the continent. In order to become airborne, they require at least 100 yards of “runway” on open water. They slap their large feet against the water’s surface as they gallop while vigorously flapping their wings to build enough speed and lift to become airborne.

The adult swan is entirely white, while immature birds are grayish brown. The legs and bill are black in color. They have an upright posture and when paddling around bodies of water hold their neck very straight.

Primarily herbivores, Trumpeter Swans feed on aquatic vegetation as well as berries and grasses. They also dig up tubers and roots in muddy banks to snack on. They occasionally eat small fish and fish eggs, as well as insects.

They are named for their loud sonorous call, which is compared to the brass musical instrument the trumpet. These calls can be heard from over a mile away and are used to communicate, maintain pair bonds, and defend territory.

In the 1800s and early 1900s, Trumpeter Swans were hunted nearly to extinction for their feathers, skin, and meat. By 1932, fewer than 70 individuals were known to exist in the wild in the contiguous U.S. Thanks to strict protections and dedicated reintroduction programs, populations have rebounded, though habitat loss, power lines, and lead poisoning still pose threats.

In April of 2024 Trumpeter Swans were removed from the list of endangered and threatened species in Ohio.