Watercolor portrait of Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator)

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator
Breeds mainly in Alaska, western and cen… Large, shallow freshwater habitats inclu… Uncommon to Fairly Common Territorial Bugle

Learn to identify the Trumpeter Swan by ear. Master the "trump-trump-trùùmp!" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“trump-trump-trùùmp!”

What the Trumpeter Swan sounds like

The Trumpeter Swan is North America’s heaviest native flying bird. Pure white as an adult, with an impressively long neck and a straight, black bill that meets the eye, it exudes elegance as it glides across water bodies. Once driven to near-extirpation, reintroduction efforts have restored many populations, and its loud, resonant honks now trumpet across northern wetlands again.

“trump-trump-trùùmp!”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A loud, sonorous, trumpet-like sequence of 2-4 notes, given by both sexes to proclaim territory and maintain pair bonds. Often written as “trump-trump-trùùmp!”.
Don't confuse with:The Tundra Swan — generally smaller and more delicate.

Where you'll hear it

Large, shallow freshwater habitats including ponds, marshes, slow rivers, and lake margins with abundant emergent and submerged aquatic vegetation.

Arrives on breeding grounds soon after ice-out in spring; nests April–June; broods fledge by late summer; migrates south as waters freeze, generally October–November; returns north February–April, following open leads in rivers and wetlands.

Similar species

Tundra Swan

Generally smaller and more delicate.

Mute Swan

Orange bill with black knob at base.

Snow Goose

Much smaller body and neck length.

Trumpeter Swan sound FAQ

What does a Trumpeter Swan sound like?
A loud, sonorous, trumpet-like sequence of 2-4 notes, given by both sexes to proclaim territory and maintain pair bonds. Listen for the "trump-trump-trùùmp!" phrase.
How do I tell a Trumpeter Swan from a Tundra Swan by sound?
Tundra Swan: Generally smaller and more delicate.; Usually shows a small yellow spot in front of eye (variable).; Bill more concave in profile; call higher-pitched and shorter..
When is the best time to hear a Trumpeter Swan?
Arrives on breeding grounds soon after ice-out in spring; nests April–June; broods fledge by late summer; migrates south as waters freeze, generally October–November; returns north February–April, following open leads in rivers and wetlands.