Swan identification
distinguishing Trumpeters and Tundras

Two species of swans are native to western North America. They differ in size, breeding region, and voice, but when visiting a lake during migration and seen from afar, such characteristics are not easy to distinguish.

Rather, one must rely upon more subtle markings. Guidelines are presented by Sibley. This page merely attempts to supplement that work with pictures, which will usually be offered as a pair, Tundra on the left, Trumpeter on the right. As usual, the discussion is presented in the rollover captions.

Just as it is worth noting which features do signal a difference in species, it is worth noting which do not. The feather colour is not distinctive of a species as either one may be white or rusty and a grey neck characterizes a juvenile in both species. Further, although it isn't always visible, if the bill is ajar, both species show a reddish grin line along the top of the lower mandible.

Tundra SwansdifferencesTrumpeter Swans

Crown shape The Tundra has a rounder crown to its head, while the Trumpeter has a more angular one. Whether or not this is evident depends partly on the angle of view.

Crown shape The Tundra has a rounder crown to its head, while the Trumpeter has a more angular one. Whether or not this is evident depends partly on the angle of view.

Forehead line The border between the forehead and bill is shaped as a U on the Tundra, but as a V on the Trumpeter.

Forehead line The border between the forehead and bill is shaped as a U on the Tundra, but as a V on the Trumpeter.

Neck shape When the head is extended upwards, the Tundra’s neck shows a smooth curve, while the Trumpeter’s shows a kink near the bottom.

Neck shape When the head is extended upwards, the Tundra’s neck shows a smooth curve, while the Trumpeter’s shows a kink near the bottom.

Yellow lore The Tundra often shows a yellow spot at the lore; the Trumpeter almost never shows this. So, the spot is more indicative than definitive.

Yellow lore The Tundra often shows a yellow spot at the lore; the Trumpeter almost never shows this. So, the spot is more indicative than definitive.

Tundra SwanssimilaritiesTrumpeter Swans

Grin line Contrary to some sources which suggest that one or the other species is characterized by a reddish grin line, in fact, both have this feature, albeit only seen when the bill is opened somewhat.

Grin line Contrary to some sources which suggest that one or the other species is characterized by a reddish grin line, in fact, both have this feature, albeit only seen when the bill is opened somewhat.

Rusty feathers Either species can have neck and head feathers which are anywhere from white to rust coloured.

Rusty feathers Either species can have neck and head feathers which are anywhere from white to rust coloured.

Grey neck Juveniles of both species have a greyish neck and head.

Grey neck Juveniles of both species have a greyish neck and head.

Information from Wikipedia: Swan, For the Tundra Swan, see Whistling Swan.