Trumpeter Swan

With its elegant plumage and distinctive long neck, the Trumpeter Swan is the largest native waterfowl in North America, with a wingspan that can reach up to 10 feet. Known for its resonant, trumpet-like call, this majestic bird once faced near-extinction due to overhunting and habitat loss. Trumpeter Swans are highly social and often form lifelong pairs, nesting in wetlands and shallow ponds across Alaska, Canada, and the northern United States. They feed on aquatic plants, using their long necks to forage in water up to three feet deep. While their populations have been recovering thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, Trumpeter Swans remain vulnerable to habitat disruption and pollution. As wetlands continue to be lost to development, the future of these iconic birds depends on continued protection of their natural habitats.