Trumpeter Swan
Scientific Name
Class
Order
Range
Habitat
Estimated Wild Population
More Information
Physical Description
The largest North American waterfowl, trumpeter swans have white plumage and a black bill. They feed primarily on seeds, grains, and wetland plants, as well as snails, insects, and small fish. These aquatic birds form breeding pairs at the age of 3 or 4, and pairs often mate for life. Female build a large grass nest near a body of water, where they lay four to six eggs. Upon hatching, offspring remain with their parents for three to four months before venturing off on their own.
Interesting Fact 1
Trumpeter swans were named after their signature call, a loud, trumpeting honk.
Interesting Fact 2
Their wingspan can reach up to eight feet across.
Interesting Fact 3
Adult males can weigh up to 30 pounds.
Species Survival Plan®
We cooperate with other members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to manage the zoo population of this species through a Species Survival Plan®.
Commitment to Care
Lincoln Park Zoo prioritizes individual well-being over everything else. Guided by scientific research, staff and volunteers work to provide the best welfare outcomes for each individual in the zoo’s care.
Support Your Zoo
Animals Depend On People Too
When you ADOPT an animal, you support world-class animal care by helping to provide specially formulated diets, new habitat elements, and regular veterinary checkups.
Wish List
The Wish List is full of one-of-a-kind items for the zoo’s animals, including nutritious snacks and enrichment items to keep them active and healthy.
Take Action With Us
Wildlife face many daunting challenges—some global, like planet-wide climate change, and some that affect individuals, like an animal ingesting plastic—but now is not the time to despair. None of these problems are too big for us to come together and solve.
