ID Tips: Tundra Swan vs. Trumpeter Swan

[@carolshannon6449]

Great video (as always!). I have seen one or more of the two, usually in a small (10 or less) flock, but am now pretty sure (based on the ranges) that it's Tundra swans that come through. It says they are residents (greater Seattle/Puget Sound area) but I have only seen them in the Spring. But now I know what look for when I see them again. They are truly majestic birds.

[@dilaton1]

I live in Spokane, Washington and trumpeter swans are year-round residents at nearby Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge. They don't show up on the map in this video as residents or even visitors, but I'm assured by the rangers these are trumpeters. I visit the refuge for hiking 2-3 times a week and frequently see them feeding on Pine Lake. I had not heard of tundra swans and at the next opportunity I intend to look for the V-shape above the bill to verify that ours are trumpeters, though apparently tundra swans are migratory vistors here as well.

[@BadgerlandBirding]

Always take range maps with a grain of salt. It’s really hard to take into account every population and things can change pretty quickly. Let us know what you find out :)

[@BadgerlandBirding]

Did a little digging and looks like that’s one of the Trumpeter Swan reintroduction sites! On eBird people have also reported Tundra Swan there in the past as well so worth a look!

[@kingdavidapple]

There has been at least one pair breeding at Turnbull for more than a decade. I need to find them. Thanks!

[@stefangoldensteinwildlife9929]

Very good video.I really love the trompeter swans. But The whooper swans are my favorite. Greets Stefan

[@dorothyd9949]

I live on the Easter shore of Maryland and have seen and heard flocks of tundra swans flying over this past few weeks-early March 2024

[@kirkjameskirk9617]

Thank you. 5 cygnets and 5 adults on Cedar Lake in Minneapolis now. All Trumpeter Swans. Fun! 12/4/2024. 50 feet from shoreline. Lake 30% frozen.

[@BadgerlandBirding]

Very cool!

[@rayettajones6441]

Thank you, Ryan, for sharing the differences in the swans. Great info and video.

[@lancelink29]

Trumpeter swans have been up here in north west Wisconsin for about a month or so. The last week we have 2 that spend much of their days on the small lake in front of where we live, which is part of the Chippewa Flowage. We were clear of ice over a month ago, then the colder weather actually iced over the lake completely again this last week. Spring has sprung now though. It is Easter Sunday today on the last day of March 2024. He Is Risen!!!! Alleluia!!!!!!

[@kingdavidapple]

Several times over the past 6 weeks I've seen as many as 12 Trumpeter swans on the Spokane River, near mile marker 7 on Hwy 291. (They've been accompanied by widgeons most times, too.)

[@pauraque]

There was a flock of 150 tundra and 6 trumpeter in northern california a few years ago. Very cool to see the differences, now if only I could find a whooper...

[@NWJay]

Thanks for the helpful information 👍.

[@gus473]

Thanks for great tips to distinguish them. (Google Lens sent me to your channel!) Just saw a small flock of swans, mostly juveniles, on Lake Mille Lacs, Minnesota, from Father Hennepin State Park! More than usual sightings this year (2024).

[@hollyperry3774]

I can't help but think that the bottom Trumpeter Swan in the comparison photos looks a bit like a sock puppet! 🙂

[@carolshannon6449]

hahaha! so true!

[@BadgerlandBirding]

I can see it

[@annettehansen6329]

There has been a huge flock of Trumpeter Swans seen in the eastern part of central Indiana this past week

[@nicks.7296]

Very helpful video!

[@koreanature]

OMG! So wonderful! I really love this! Thank you so much!

[@TGCTSFan2]

Can trumpeter swans have the yellow spot on the bill near the eye too?

[@BadgerlandBirding]

Yes they can, but it’s not as common for them to have it, compared to Tundra Swans

[@ewajaja771]

Thanks for the videos you guys make, I have enjoyed watching your content for the past year now. I have been designing tumbnails and posts for a while now and would like to work with you so your videos can get more traction (as they deserve). I would like to make 2 free tumbnails for you guys and then we can see from there whether you guys like them or not. If not, no biggie and I would have improved my skill :). Hope to hear from you! Happy birding

[@lizmcquaid209]

Your map of breeding Trumpeter Swans leaves out Ohio. NW Ohio has many breeding pairs. Come to the Biggest Week in American Birding and see.