Scientific Name: Cygnus columbianus
Population Estimate: 300K
Range / Habitat: Summer / breeding in the Arctic tundra. Winters in areas on both US coasts and in part of Texas.
Field Notes: Large, all-white swan with black bill. A portion of this species will have a yellow spot by the eye. Vocalization is the most reliable means to differentiate this bird from the Trumpeter Swan. Compared to the loud, constant, trumpet-like chatter of the latter bird, the Tundra Swan only vocalizes when taking off / landing / in flight. It is practically a cooing in comparison to the Trumpeter.
Personal Notes: The above photo taken of a bird in migration in a flooded farm field in Carver County, MN.
No comments:
Post a Comment