Tundra swans are migratory birds that breed in the northern Arctic tundra. They winter in coastal areas of the northern United States southern Canada and Europe. Tundra swans are the largest member of the subfamily Morphninae which includes five other species of swan.
The scientific name for the tundra swan is Cygnus columbianus. The word “cygnus” is Latin for “swan” and “columbianus” comes from the Columbia River in North America where the first tundra swans were described by Lewis and Clark.
Tundra swans are all white with black bills and legs. They are slightly smaller than the trumpeter swan but larger than the mute swan. Adult tundra swans weigh between 9 and 12 pounds (4 and 5.4 kg). They have a wingspan of between 6 and 7 feet (1.8 and 2.1 m).
Tundra swans eat a variety of aquatic plants and animals. Their diet consists mostly of submerged and floating plants but they will also eat insects mollusks and small fish. Tundra swans often forage for food by swimming in shallow water with their heads submerged. They use their long necks to reach down and pull up aquatic plants.
Tundra swans nest in the Arctic tundra usually near ponds lakes or marshes. They build their nests out of grasses and other vegetation lining them with down feathers. Tundra swans typically lay 3-8 eggs which hatch after about 30 days.
The tundra swan is the official state bird of Alaska. It is also the national bird of Denmark.
References:
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/tundra_swan/lifehistory
http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=wildlifenaturalhistory.tundraswan
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tundra_swan
What do Tundra Swans eat?
Tundra swans primarily eat aquatic plants including submerged roots rhizomes and tubers.
They also eat the leaves stems and seeds of emergent plants as well as grain and invertebrates.
Where do Tundra Swans live?
Tundra swans breed in the Arctic tundra and winter in southern Canada the northern United States and Russia.
How long do Tundra Swans live?
Tundra swans typically live between 20 and 30 years.
How many Tundra Swans are there?
The global population of Tundra Swans is estimated to be between 310000 and 360000.
How do Tundra Swans migrate?
Tundra swans typically migrate in large flocks often in V-shaped formations.
What is the conservation status of Tundra Swans?
The conservation status of Tundra Swans is least concern.
What are the predators of Tundra Swans?
The predators of Tundra Swans include foxes coyotes wolves and bears.
What is the wing span of a Tundra Swan?
The wing span of a Tundra Swan is between 2 and 2.
5 meters.
What is the weight of a Tundra Swan?
The weight of a Tundra Swan is between 4 and 7 kg.
What is the body length of a Tundra Swan?
The body length of a Tundra Swan is between 1.
2 and 1.
6 meters.
What is the breeding season for Tundra Swans?
The breeding season for Tundra Swans is typically between April and May.
How many eggs does a Tundra Swan lay?
A Tundra Swan typically lays 3 to 8 eggs.
How long does it take for a Tundra Swan to incubate its eggs?
It takes a Tundra Swan about 30 to 35 days to incubate its eggs.
How long do Tundra Swan chicks stay with their parents?
Tundra Swan chicks typically stay with their parents for about 3 months.
What is the average lifespan of a Tundra Swan?
The average lifespan of a Tundra Swan is about 20 to 30 years.
