Species Guide: Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus)
Family: Anatidae
The Tundra Swan is a northern swan species divided into two primary subspecies with distinct geographical ranges. The Bewick’s Swan (Cygnus columbianus bewickii) inhabits the Palearctic region, breeding in Arctic Russia and Siberia and wintering across Europe and parts of Asia. The Whistling Swan (Cygnus columbianus columbianus) occupies the Nearctic region, breeding in Alaska and northern Canada and wintering across the United States. Together, these subspecies form one of the most widely distributed swan groups in the Arctic. Their lives are defined by long migrations, seasonal extremes, and dependency on wetland habitats.
Appearance
Adult Bewick’s Swan
The Bewick’s Swan is the smaller of the two forms. Adults are white with black legs and feet. Their most distinguishing feature is the yellow patch on the bill. The size and shape of the yellow area vary among individuals and are used by researchers to identify specific birds over long periods.
Adult Whistling Swan
The Whistling Swan is similar in overall form but shows far less yellow on the bill. Most individuals have an entirely black bill or a faint yellow spot near the base. They are slightly larger and heavier on average than Bewick’s Swans.
Sex Differences
Males and females of both subspecies appear almost identical. Males usually have marginally greater body mass and slightly longer necks, but these differences are subtle.
Juveniles
Juvenile Tundra Swans of both subspecies have grey to brownish plumage and pale bills. The bill gradually darkens over their first year. Bewick’s juveniles show early development of the yellow area on the bill, while Whistling juveniles often retain mainly dark coloration. Full adult plumage is usually acquired by the second winter.
Diet
Both subspecies rely heavily on plant material. During the Arctic breeding season, their diet consists of pondweeds, sedges, grasses, and roots from shallow freshwater habitats.
In winter, their diet broadens to include agricultural crops such as leftover grain, potatoes, and other harvested plant residues. They feed by upending in shallow water or grazing in fields. Juveniles sometimes consume invertebrates, which provide additional protein needed for rapid development.
Habitat
Tundra Swans occupy markedly different habitats depending on the season.
Breeding Habitat
Both subspecies breed in Arctic tundra landscapes with abundant freshwater ponds and lakes. These wetlands provide feeding areas, nesting sites, and relative safety from terrestrial predators.
Winter Habitat
- Bewick’s Swan winters in Europe and Asia, using floodplains, estuaries, shallow lakes, and agricultural land.
- Whistling Swan winters in the United States, particularly in coastal regions, inland lakes, and open farmland.
Both rely on shallow water for roosting and open landscapes for feeding.
Behavior
Calls
The subspecies differ in vocal quality:
- Whistling Swans produce higher-pitched calls that inspired their common name.
Whistling Swan Call:
Both forms use vocalizations to coordinate flight, maintain flock cohesion, and communicate within family groups.
Life Cycle
Tundra Swans form stable pair bonds that often last many years. Nests are built slightly above ground level near water. Clutches typically contain three to five eggs. Both parents incubate the eggs and protect the cygnets. Young birds leave the nest soon after hatching and fledge within the short Arctic summer.
Migration Routes
Migration defines the lives of both subspecies.
- Bewick’s Swan migrates across Russia to wintering sites in Europe and Asia.
- Whistling Swan migrates along the Pacific and Atlantic Flyways between the Arctic and the United States.
Both subspecies require dependable stopover wetlands for resting and refueling throughout their journeys. Spring migration begins as the Arctic thaws and new plant growth emerges. Autumn migration begins when the tundra freezes, and food supplies diminish.
Biometrics
| Length | 115-150 cm |
| Wing Span | 170-195 cm |
| Body Weight | 3.4-9.6 Kg |
| Longevity | 10 Years |
Natural Predators
Adult Tundra Swans face few natural predators due to their size. However, eggs and cygnets face significant risks in the Arctic.
Common predators include:
Predation risk decreases as cygnets grow and develop flight capability. Parental vigilance plays a critical role in reducing losses.
Relationship to Humans
Tundra Swans have longstanding cultural significance. Their migrations bring them into regular contact with human settlements across continents.
Agricultural Interactions
During winter, both subspecies feed in agricultural landscapes. This can lead to conflicts where swans consume or trample crops. Conservation programs in several countries use collaborative land management to reduce tension and support coexistence.
Scientific Study
Bewick’s Swans have been especially valuable for long-term study because of the unique bill patterns that allow individual identification. This has enabled detailed research on migration timing, survival, and breeding success. Whistling Swans have been studied extensively across North American flyways, revealing shifting winter distributions linked to habitat and climate changes.
Cultural Presence
Across Eurasia and North America, swans appear in stories and folklore. They often symbolize loyalty, the passage of time, and perseverance. Their reliable migrations have historically been used as markers of seasonal transitions.
Conservation Status
Globally, the Tundra Swan species is not classified as endangered. However, trends differ by subspecies.
Bewick’s Swan
This subspecies has shown a decline in numbers in parts of Europe. Causes include:
- Loss and degradation of wetland habitat
- Changes in agricultural practices
- Disturbance at critical stopover sites
- Shifts in migration patterns due to climate variability
Whistling Swan
The Whistling Swan population is generally stable. Local challenges include:
- Wetland loss
- Power line collisions
- Exposure to pollutants in some regions
Protection Measures
Conservation strategies for both subspecies include:
- Protecting key wetlands
- Restoring degraded habitats
- Monitoring population size and survival
- Reducing disturbance in migration corridors
- Supporting international cooperation for migratory routes
Their long-term survival depends on the continued availability of high-quality habitats across every stage of their migratory cycle.
Global
Conservation Status
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References
- Lovette, I. et al. (2016) The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, handbook of bird biology. Third edition. Chichester: Wiley. [Accessed 15/10/2025]
CITATIONS
- By Cephas – BirdLife International. 2016. Cygnus columbianus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22679862A89644875. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22679862A89644875.en. Downloaded on 01 July 2018., CC BY-SA 4.0. [Accessed 22/01/2026] ↩︎
