Tundra Swan

Overview

Tundra Swan: Small swan, completely white, head and neck often stained rust-brown from ferrous minerals in marsh soils. Black bill, usually with yellow spot at base. Black legs, feet. Strong direct flight on steady wing beats. Flies in straight line or V formation. Most common swan in North America.

Range and Habitat

Tundra Swan: Breeds in Alaska and far northern Canada east to Baffin Island. Spends winters from southern Alaska south to Nevada, Utah, and Baja California and on mid-Atlantic coast; rarely found on the Gulf coast of Texas and occasionally on the Great Lakes. Preferred habitats include tundra, marshy lakes, and bays.

INTERESTING FACTS

The Tundra Swan used to be called the "Whistling Swan.” The species' former name referred to the sound made by the slow, powerful beating of their wings in flight. They fly in v-shaped formations and may achieve speeds up to 100 miles an hour with a tail wind. They usually form a pair and “go steady” for a year before breeding. A group of swans has many collective nouns, including a "ballet", "bevy", "drift", "regatta", and "school" of swans.