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Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus ORDER: ANSERIFORMES FAMILY: ANATIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

True to its name, the Tundra Swan breeds on the high tundra across the top of North America. It winters in large flocks along both coasts, and is frequently encountered during its migration across the continent.

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Appearance

Ducklike
Ducklike
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Large, all-white waterfowl.
  • Long, straight neck.
  • Black bill and face.

Immature Description

Dirty white all over. Legs gray-pink, turning dull black. Bill pinkish gray, turning black at base and towards tip; turns completely black.

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Tundra Swan Range Map
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Field MarksHelp

  • Adult
    Zoom In

    Tundra Swan

    Adult
    • © William L. Newton / CLO
  • Adult
    Zoom In

    Tundra Swan

    Adult
    • © Kevin T. Karlson, July 2000

Similar Species

  • Trumpeter Swan without yellow spot in front of eyes. Bill profile flat. Eye more connected to black facial skin, without constriction in front of eye. Border of bill and forehead in deep V-shape from above. Voice deeper.
  • Mute Swan with curved neck, orange bill.
  • Snow Goose smaller and with shorter neck, black wingtips, pink bill.
  • Domestic goose smaller, with shorter neck, and pink or orange bill and legs.
  • White Pelican has short neck, large yellow or orange bill, orange legs, and black flight feathers.