Cygnus columbianus columbianus

(Ord, 1815)

Vernacular names
English : Tundra swan
French : Cygne siffleur

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Anseriformes
Family : Anatidae
Notes : 1 to 2 other subspecies known.

Identification
This species reaches a length of 150 cm for a weight up to 10.5 kg. Female slightly smaller than male. Plumage entirely snowy white. Black legs and feet. This subspecies has a black bill with only a trace of yellow under eyes.

Range and habitat
The subspecies breeds in coastal west and north Alaska, and coastal north Canada. Winters in western, coastal eastern USA and north Mexico. The species also lives in northern Europe, Siberia and far nothern Asia. Lives in shallow pools, rivers and lakes in arctic tundra.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is still common to locally abundant within its range but has been declining because of over-hunting in some areas.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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