Whooper SwanCygnus cygnus
DESCRIPTION
56-70" (142-178 cm). A very large swan, similar in size, shape, and head and bill profile to Trumpeter Swan. Black bill has broad yellow patch on upper mandible extending from base to beyond the nostril; covers at least half of bill. Often holds head forward in curved or kinked posture. Immatures dusky; bill pinkish with black tip.
VOICE
In flight, low-pitched whoop-whoop; a single bugled note when alarmed.
HABITAT
Sub-arctic taiga or tundra; migrants and wintering birds occur on freshwater lakes and shallow salt water bays; regularly forages in meadows.
RANGE
Breeds mainly across northern Eurasia, including Iceland; uncommon but regular in winter on outer Aleutian Islands; elsewhere in Alaska very rare.
DISCUSSION
The impressive Whooper Swan is widespread and familiar in many areas in Europe, both as a breeder and a wintering species. In North America, however, it is seldom seen outside of the Aleutian Islands. Whooper Swans occurring elsewhere in North America are usually considered to be escaped captives since the species is regularly kept by collectors of exotic waterfowl.
NESTING
2-5 white eggs in large mound of reeds, sedges, and other plants, usually close to water's edge.
