Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

Description:
Huge waterfowl

Long neck
Short legs
Heavy, wedge-shaped bill
Adult:
    All white plumage
    All black bill
    Black legs and feet
Immature:
    Gray plumage
    Gray-black bill
    Yellowish-gray legs and feet

Listen to its call.

Given that adult swans are typically glaringly white, I was a bit confused by the colouring of these ones I saw on the Saanich Peninsula. Although their bodies were pure white, the plumage of the heads and necks of these birds had a brownish-orange tinge. I have discovered that this staining is caused by feeding in areas with high iron content in the water.  Isn't that always the problem when you wear white?!

Learn more about the Trumpeter Swan.

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

Appearance:
Small swan
White plumage
Black bill with yellow patch at base
Black legs

Listen to its call.

Following the advice of the Victoria Natural History Society's rare bird alert, I drove down Island View Road this afternoon in search of geese and swans. Sure enough, there was a large wedge* of swans in a field precisely where they were reported to have been seen earlier this week. Amongst the group, I noticed these two with a yellow patch in front of their eyes. I feel a bit guilty about taking the easy way out today but I did get to see some new birds. 

*Normally, people refer to a group of swans as a flock, which was what I was going to write. However, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, the correct name for a group of swans is a wedge.

Learn more about the Tundra Swan.

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

Appearance:
Large waterfowl
Pure white plumage
Long neck held in S-curve
Orange, black-knobbed bill

Listen to its call.

Interesting fact for the day: Despite their name, these birds are able to vocalize. They are just quieter than other swans. 

Learn more about the Mute Swan.