Both Trumpeter swans and Tundra swans are large, white waterfowl in the genus Cygnus. However, Trumpeter swans are notably larger than Tundra swans. In this article, we will compare the sizes of these two swan species and look at key size differences between Trumpeter and Tundra swans.
Trumpeter Swan Size
The Trumpeter swan (Cygnus buccinator) is the largest extant species of waterfowl native to North America. It is one of the largest swans in the world. On average, Trumpeter swans measure:
- Length: 150 cm (59 inches)
- Wingspan: 218 cm (86 inches)
- Weight: 7.5 to 13.6 kg (16 to 30 lbs)
Trumpeter swans have all-white plumage. The bill of a Trumpeter swan is black and usually measures 3.5 to 4 inches long. The tarsus, or leg, of a Trumpeter swan is black and typically 4.3 to 5 inches long. Trumpeter swans are recognized by their large size, all-white plumage, black legs and feet, and long black bill.
Tundra Swan Size
The Tundra swan (Cygnus columbianus) is a migratory waterfowl species that breeds in the Arctic and subarctic regions of North America and Eurasia. Compared to Trumpeter swans, Tundra swans are smaller. On average, Tundra swans measure:
- Length: 110 to 150 cm (43 to 59 inches)
- Wingspan: 147 to 180 cm (58 to 71 inches)
- Weight: 3.4 to 7.5 kg (7.5 to 16.5 lbs)
Like Trumpeter swans, Tundra swans have all white plumage. The bill of a Tundra swan is black and measures about 2 to 2.5 inches long. The tarsus of a Tundra swan is black and is around 3 to 3.5 inches long. Tundra swans are distinguished by their smaller size compared to Trumpeter swans, all-white plumage, black legs and feet, and black bill.
Key Size Differences
There are some notable size differences between Trumpeter swans and Tundra swans:
- Trumpeter swans are taller, with an average length of 59 inches compared to 43 to 59 inches for Tundra swans.
- Trumpeter swans have a larger wingspan, averaging 86 inches across compared to 58 to 71 inches for Tundra swans.
- Trumpeter swans are heavier, weighing 16 to 30 lbs on average, while Tundra swans weigh 7.5 to 16.5 lbs.
- The bill of a Trumpeter swan measures 3.5 to 4 inches while the Tundra swan’s bill is 2 to 2.5 inches.
- Trumpeter swans have longer legs and a longer tarsus (4.3 to 5 inches) than Tundra swans (3 to 3.5 inches).
Size Comparison | Trumpeter Swan | Tundra Swan |
---|---|---|
Length | 59 inches | 43 to 59 inches |
Wingspan | 86 inches | 58 to 71 inches |
Weight | 16 to 30 lbs | 7.5 to 16.5 lbs |
Bill Length | 3.5 to 4 inches | 2 to 2.5 inches |
Tarsus Length | 4.3 to 5 inches | 3 to 3.5 inches |
As the table summarizes, Trumpeter swans are clearly larger than Tundra swans when it comes to length, wingspan, weight, bill size, and tarsus length. On average, Trumpeter swans are about 25% longer, have a 25% larger wingspan, and can weigh more than twice as much as Tundra swans.
Why are Trumpeter Swans Bigger?
There are a few key reasons why Trumpeter swans are larger than Tundra swans:
- Genetics – Trumpeter swans are genetically larger birds with a bigger body size thanks to variations in genetics between the two species.
- Adaptations to Habitat – Trumpeter swans inhabit more southerly climates than Tundra swans and their large size helps conserve body heat in cool water habitats.
- Diet – The nutrient-rich aquatic vegetation that Trumpeter swans can access year-round allows them to grow and maintain a larger body size.
- Age – Trumpeter swans have a longer lifespan than tundra swans, giving them more time to reach their maximum size.
- Sexual dimorphism – Male Trumpeter swans are up to 25% larger than females, while male and female Tundra swans are more equal in size.
In summary, the combination of genetic differences, habitat adaptations, nutrition, longevity, and dimorphism are key factors that enable the larger overall size of Trumpeter swans compared to the smaller Tundra swan.
Similarities Between Trumpeter Swans and Tundra Swans
While Trumpeter swans and Tundra swans differ in size, they share a number of similarities including:
- Both species are large white swans with long necks and black legs/feet.
- They have identical all-white plumage and colors.
- Both swans are primarily aquatic, inhabiting lakes, ponds, marshes and slow rivers.
- Their diet consists mainly of aquatic vegetation obtained by foraging underwater or while swimming/wading.
- Trumpeter swans and Tundra swans mate for life and raise their young (cygnets) together.
- The two swan species make similar loud, trumpeting vocalizations.
- Trumpeter swans and Tundra swans both migrate seasonally between breeding and wintering grounds.
The main distinction is their overall size, as well as some moderate differences in bill shape and length of the neck. But ecologically and behaviorally, Trumpeter swans and Tundra swans share many attributes in common.
Conclusion
Trumpeter swans are distinctly larger than Tundra swans in terms of length, wingspan, weight, and key structural measurements like bill and tarsus length. Average Trumpeter swans measure 59 inches long with an 86 inch wingspan and weigh 16 to 30 lbs, while the smaller Tundra swans average 43 to 59 inches long, have a 58 to 71 inch wingspan, and weigh just 7.5 to 16.5 lbs. The reasons for the Trumpeter swan’s larger size include genetic differences, habitat and diet, and sexual dimorphism. Despite their size discrepancy, Trumpeter swans and Tundra swans share identical plumage, mating habits, vocalizations, aquatic habitats, and migratory behaviors. In summary, the evidence clearly shows that the Trumpeter swan is the larger of the two closely-related swan species.