Geese, Ducks, Mergansers

Tundra Swan, Cygnus columbianus

Family Anatidae (Geese, Ducks, Mergansers)

Size: 52"

Season: Spring–fall

Habitat: Coastal estuaries, shallow lakes

The tundra swan is America’s most widespread swan and also the smallest, wintering along coastal areas of North America and nesting in the tundra of the far north. It is white overall, sometimes stained with brown, except for a black bill and legs. The bill shows a variable-size patch of yellow just in front of the eye, or this area may be completely black. The tundra swan has a long neck and long body, a forehead and crown that are quite rounded, and an upper mandible that has a slightly concave profile. Juveniles are dusky gray with a pinkish bill. They forage for aquatic plants and animals, either on the ground or in the water. The adult is illustrated.