Unique Qualities:

Tundra swans are all white with black feet and a black bill. They hold their neck straight up. The voice of the tundra swan is soft and song-like. They are massive birds and lay very large eggs.  

Can be Seen:

Tundra swans can be seen from south-west Alaska around the arctic coast, to east to Baffin Island and south to Hudson Bay. Tundra swan was named because of its frequent appearance in the arctic and sub-arctic tundra zone.

Likes to Hang Out:

Tundra swans usually live on the coastlines of northern Canada and also in the eastern Atlantic waters.

Likes to Eat:

Tundra swans like to eat the leaves, stems and tubers of aquatic plants. They get to their food by stretching their head and neck downwards and tipping their body. They can also eat shellfish, mollusks, worms and dragonflies.

Status:

The tundra swan population is mainly threatened by human activity such as habitat loss due to development and oil spills.

Map credit: The tundra swan habitat map is Copyright Earth Day Canada and uses a map by Planiglobe. The original map is licensed under a Creative Commons Attibution 2.5 license.

Did You Know?

Did you know tundra swans are sometimes called whistling swans because of the sound made by the powerful beating of their wings in flight? The leader of the flock often makes a high note like “who-who-who,” which is repeated by the other swans.