Mute swans and trumpeter swans are two closely related species of swan that are native to North America. They look very similar to each other and can be difficult for the average observer to tell apart. However, there are a few key differences in their appearance, voice, and behavior that can help you distinguish between the two species.
Quick Identification Tips
- Trumpeter swans make a loud, trumpet-like call. Mute swans are mostly silent.
- Trumpeter swans hold their neck straight up. Mute swans carry their neck in a graceful S-curve.
- Mute swans have an orange bill with a black knob on top. Trumpeter swans have a straight, all-black bill.
Knowing what to look and listen for will help you determine if you’re observing a trumpeter or mute swan out in the field. Read on for more details on how to tell these magnificent birds apart.
Range and Habitat
Trumpeter and mute swans occupy overlapping ranges across much of North America. Mute swans were introduced from Europe and have become established across the eastern U.S. and portions of the Midwest. Native trumpeter swans are found primarily in the western states, especially the Great Lakes region and Pacific Northwest.
Both species inhabit shallow ponds, marshes, and slow-moving rivers. They need areas of open water for foraging combined with patches of emergent vegetation for nesting and hiding their young. Outside of the breeding season, these swans may wander more widely in search of suitable habitat.
Knowing the native range of trumpeter swans versus the introduced mute swan can provide a clue about the species you’re observing. But there is substantial overlap now, so range alone cannot conclusively identify the species. Further physical and audible clues are necessary.
Physical Differences
Size
Trumpeter and mute swans are close in size, with trumpeter swans generally slightly larger on average:
- Trumpeter swan length: 4.5-5.5 feet
- Trumpeter swan wingspan: 6-7 feet
- Trumpeter swan weight: 20-30 pounds
- Mute swan length: 4-5 feet
- Mute swan wingspan: 5.5-6.5 feet
- Mute swan weight: 15-25 pounds
There is considerable overlap in their dimensions, so size alone does not provide a definitive ID. But if you are able to closely observe a very large swan, it is more likely to be a trumpeter.
Bill Color
The bill color provides a more reliable physical difference between these two swans.
- Trumpeter swans have a long, straight bill that is completely black.
- Mute swans have an orange bill with a pronounced black knob on the top of the upper mandible.
The all-black bill of trumpeter swans provides an easy way to distinguish them from the two-toned bill of mute swans. If you can get a decent look at the bill color, this offers a straightforward way to tell the two species apart.
Neck and Head Carriage
These swans have slightly different neck and head positions:
- Trumpeter swans carry their neck straight up from the body in a dignified, vertical S-shape.
- Mute swans exhibit a more graceful, curved S-neck with the head pointed downward towards the water.
The mute swan’s curved neck gives it a distinguished profile that inspired its mention in poetry, art, and ballet over the centuries since its introduction to Europe. The trumpeter’s ramrod straight neck presents a more alert, upright carriage. Subtle but distinguishable with close observation.
Voice
The most reliable way to distinguish trumpeter and mute swans is by listening for their calls.
Trumpeter Swan Voice
As their name suggests, trumpeter swans make a loud, resonant, brassy call that sounds similar to a trumpet. Their call carries well over long distances. Trumpeter swan vocalizations include:
- The sonorous trumpet note “oh-OH-ohoh” that gives the species its name.
- Mellow sounding murmurs and barks between mates and young.
- The trumpeting calls serve to communicate over longer distances while the murmurs are quieter, short-range contact calls.
Here is a recording of trumpeter swan vocalizations:
Mute Swan Voice
In contrast to the trumpeter swan’s trumpet calls, mute swans are mostly silent birds. Sounds they do make include:
- Snorting and hissing when threatened or defending territory
- Quiet grunting around their mate and young
- The wings may make a whistling noise in flight
- But they lack the resonant trumpeting of the other species
Here is a recording of a hissing mute swan:
The most reliable way to identify mute swans is if you see a swan and DON’T hear any loud, trumpet-like calls. The lack of vocalization in combination with the other physical features confirms an identification of mute swan.
Behavioral Differences
Trumpeter and mute swans exhibit some subtle behavioral differences that can provide additional clues about their identification:
Trumpeter Swan Behavior | Mute Swan Behavior |
---|---|
More migratory – travels longer distances seasonally | Shorter distance migrant, many populations year-round residents |
Little threat display – less aggressive | Frequent hissing and posturing to defend territory |
Rapid, nervous swimming when alarmed | Slow, unhurried swimming; less easily disturbed |
In general, trumpeter swans tend to be a little more active, skittish, and migratory compared to the more settled and aggressive mute swans. But these behavioral cues are subtle and subject to individual variation. They provide helpful context clues but should not be relied on solely for identification.
Summary for Identifying Trumpeter vs. Mute Swans
Telling trumpeter and mute swans apart can be tricky when observing them briefly or at a distance. Here are a few summary points for reliable ID:
- Listen for trumpet calls – if you hear them, it’s a trumpeter swan
- Look at the bill – all black for trumpeter, orange and black for mute
- Note neck position – straight for trumpeter, curved for mute
- Consider behavior – trumpeter more nervous, mute more aggressive
The most reliable features are voice and bill color. Use other cues like neck position and behavior to provide additional confirming details. With practice, the identification of these two majestic swan species will become easier. Careful observation and listening for their key differences will lead to an accurate ID.
Conclusion
Trumpeter and mute swans may appear similar at first glance, but they can be confidently distinguished by carefully observing their physical differences and listening for their voices. The trumpeter’s all-black bill, straight neck carriage, and loud trumpeting calls set it apart from the mute swan’s orange bill, curved neck, and general silence. Paying attention to small details in appearance, vocalizations, and behavior are key to telling these two birds apart. With a little practice, anyone can master the subtle differences between these amazing waterfowl. Listening and watching carefully for the key identification features will reveal whether a swan is a trumpeter or mute.