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Trumpeter Swan Sounds

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ID info
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Maps
Sounds

Pair calls
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Oregon, April 11, 1992Recorded by Geoffrey A. Keller | Macaulay Library
Wing sounds in flight
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Montana, March 10, 1956Recorded by James M. Hartshorne | Macaulay Library

Sounds provided by Macaulay Library.
Listen to more sounds of this species from the ML archive.

Calls

Male and female Trumpeter Swans give the characteristic deep, trumpeting “oh-OH” call, with the second syllable emphasized. The call is softer and more nasal-sounding when made with the mouth closed. Trumpeter Swans call to keep the pair or family together, to defend territories, or to sound an alarm. Both sexes also use a flat-toned, single-syllable “hoo” call to locate each other. Younger swans make a higher-pitched call, and develop their adult tone by the time they’re 6-8 months old.

Other Sounds

Trumpeter Swans slap the water aggressively with their large webbed feet when approaching an intruder. Their wings and feet also slap the water’s surface during takeoff.

Compare with Similar Species

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Tundra Swan Adult (Whistling) is similar to Trumpeter Swan

Tundra Swan Juvenile (Whistling) is similar to Trumpeter Swan

Mute Swan Adult is similar to Trumpeter Swan

Mute Swan Immature is similar to Trumpeter Swan

Snow Goose Adult white morph is similar to Trumpeter Swan

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Species in This Family

Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl(Order: Anseriformes, Family:Anatidae)

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Blue-winged Teal

Blue-winged Teal

Northern Shoveler

Northern Shoveler

Eurasian Wigeon

Eurasian Wigeon

American Wigeon

American Wigeon

American Black Duck

American Black Duck

Northern Pintail

Northern Pintail

Green-winged Teal

Green-winged Teal

Ring-necked Duck

Ring-necked Duck

Steller's Eider

Steller's Eider

White-winged Scoter

White-winged Scoter

Long-tailed Duck

Long-tailed Duck

Common Goldeneye

Common Goldeneye

Barrow's Goldeneye

Barrow's Goldeneye

Hooded Merganser

Hooded Merganser

Common Merganser

Common Merganser

Red-breasted Merganser

Red-breasted Merganser

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Trumpeter Swan

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