Skip to main content

Donate

Birds
Live Cams
Courses
Merlin Bird ID

Donate

Trumpeter Swan Sounds

Overview
ID info
Life History
Maps
Sounds

Calls
Media Player Error
Update your browser or Flash plugin
Minnesota, June 07, 2013Recorded by Wil Hershberger / Macaulay Library
Calls
Media Player Error
Update your browser or Flash plugin
New York, May 08, 2020Recorded by Nick Kachala / Macaulay Library
Calls
Media Player Error
Update your browser or Flash plugin
Alaska, April 05, 2015Recorded by Lucas DeCicco / Macaulay Library
Calls
Media Player Error
Update your browser or Flash plugin
Montana, March 17, 1956Recorded by James M. Hartshorne / Macaulay Library
Calls
Media Player Error
Update your browser or Flash plugin
Minnesota, November 28, 2013Recorded by John A. Bauhs / Macaulay Library
Wing sound
Media Player Error
Update your browser or Flash plugin
Montana, March 10, 1956Recorded by James M. Hartshorne / Macaulay Library

Sounds provided by Macaulay Library.
Listen to more sounds of this species from the ML archive.

Calls

Male and female Trumpeter Swans give the characteristic deep, trumpeting “oh-OH” call, with the second syllable emphasized. The call is softer and more nasal-sounding when made with the mouth closed. Trumpeter Swans call to keep the pair or family together, to defend territories, or to sound an alarm. Both sexes also use a flat-toned, single-syllable “hoo” call to locate each other. Younger swans make a higher-pitched call, and develop their adult tone by the time they’re 6-8 months old.

Other Sounds

Trumpeter Swans slap the water aggressively with their large webbed feet when approaching an intruder. Their wings and feet also slap the water’s surface during takeoff.

Compare with Similar Species

Click on an image to compare

Looking for ID Help?

Our free app offers quick ID help with global coverage.

Try Merlin Bird ID

Species in This Family

Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl(Order: Anseriformes, Family: Anatidae)

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Fulvous Whistling-Duck

Greater White-fronted Goose

Pink-footed Goose

Blue-winged Teal

Northern Shoveler

Eurasian Wigeon

American Wigeon

American Black Duck

Northern Pintail

Green-winged Teal

Ring-necked Duck

Steller's Eider

Spectacled Eider

White-winged Scoter

Long-tailed Duck

Common Goldeneye

Barrow's Goldeneye

Hooded Merganser

Common Merganser

Red-breasted Merganser

Browse Species in This Family

More to Read

Bird CamsBird Cams FAQ: Red-tailed Hawk Nest
A Modest Proposal: Can eBird Help Choose Better State Birds? [Part 1]
I found a pigeon or dove that seems tame and has colored bands on its legs. What should I do?

What is the difference between a beak and a bill?
I found a nest with eggs in it and no adult birds seem to be attending to it. I think it's abandoned, or I scared the parents away. What should I do?
I’m seeing fewer birds in my yard. Is something affecting their populations?

About Us

Contact Us

Follow us

© 2024 Cornell University

Search for species name or keywords

Or Browse Bird Guide by Family or Shape

Need Bird ID Help? Try Merlin

Don't miss a thing! Join our email list

The Cornell Lab will send you updates about birds,
birding, and opportunities to help bird conservation.