See all posts in the Birds of Carver County series
The trumpeter swan (Cygnus buccinator) is the largest native waterfowl species in North America and one of the heaviest flying birds in the world.
Adults are strikingly white, with long, graceful necks and black bills that extend seamlessly from their faces, giving them a refined and elegant appearance. These swans can reach lengths of up to six feet, with wingspans stretching over eight feet, and adults can weigh between 21 to 30 pounds.
Trumpeter swans are named for their distinctive, resonant call, which sounds like a trumpet and can be heard over long distances. Using a smart phone or tablet, you can learn their call and recognize them the next time they fly over.
They are monogamous and form strong, lifelong bonds with their mates, often seen swimming or flying in synchronized pairs. Their preferred habitats include shallow lakes, ponds, and wetlands, where they feed on aquatic plants and vegetation.
Once near extinction due to habitat loss and hunting, trumpeter swans have made a remarkable comeback thanks to conservation efforts. They are now found throughout much of North America, especially in regions with abundant wetlands, like Alaska, western Canada, and parts of the northern United States, including Minnesota.
Trumpeter swans can be seen in Carver County throughout the year, but when lakes are frozen, they will be most often found on spots with open water or feeding on harvested corn fields that are not fully covered with snow.
Their impressive size, beauty, and resilience have made them an iconic symbol of North American wildlife conservation.
For more information: follow the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources LINK.
(Neil Wingert has been birding in Minnesota since 2002 and tries to learn more about birds each time he hangs on to his binoculars or tries to photograph them. He plans to contribute birding content to the Carver County Local News on a regular basis. Carver County is a great location to see a variety of birds throughout the year. Some of Minnesota’s most skilled birders have seen over 250 different bird species in the county.)
