Cygnus buccinator
L 60" (152 cm).

Song or calls:
Series of loud, low-pitched, buglelike notes on one pitch.

more images

photo by Phil Swanson

Description: Sexes similar. Adult with black facial skin tapering to a broad point at the eye, dips down in a V on forehead. Forehead slopes evenly to a straight bill. Juveniles dusky gray-brown; bill pinkish, black at base and tip.

• Habitat: Large shallow marshes to shallow lakes, with an abundance of submerged plants and emergent vegetation, and stable water levels.
• Where in Nebraska: Rare casual spring and fall migrant across the state. Locally uncommon regular resident in the Sandhills and a locally common regular visitor in central Nebraska during the winter.
• Field Notes: Trumpeter Swans pair for life and typically require large expanses of marsh for adequate breeding.
• Fun Facts: Male swan is called a cob, female swan is called a pen.