Birds of the World

Anatidae : Swans, Geese & Ducks

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada - September 2011

Trumpeter Swans were hunted almost to extinction in the early 20th century with only 69 known birds surviving in 1932, although a few unknown flocks also occured in remote parts of Alaska and Canada.  However, once it was given full legal protection and extensive conservation measures put in place, the population recovered spectacularly. A census in 2005, estimated the population at over 34000 birds, an increase of almost 30% from the previous survey taken only 5 years before!  Consequently, it is now classified as "Least Concern" by the IUCN.

Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada - September 2011

Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada - September 2011