Loons, Waterfowl and Seabirds

Tundra swan (Cygnus columbianus )

Votes: 52

Photo illustration: Canadian Geographic; Photo: Mdf / Wikicommons

A small, almost entirely white swan with a black bill (which usually has a yellow spot at its base) and black legs. This is the most common swan in North America, breeding in the High Arctic, wintering in the south on both coasts and generally seeking tundra, marshes and bays.

IDENTIFICATION (Both Sexes)
Weight	3.8-10.5 kg
Length	1.2-1.47 m
Wingspan	1.68 m

Range map courtesy iBird for Windows
Click to enlarge

Vote for the Tundra swan for Canada’s National Bird

Essays

Comments and essays appear in the language in which they were submitted

Reserved, yet beautiful- just like Canada

— Submitted on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 by Marilyn Johnston (Sherbrooke, QC)

The tundra swan is a bird with grace and stature. The beautiful wide span of its wings is an example of our expansive and gorgeous country - Canada!!!

— Submitted on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 by Alana Dennett (Ottawa, ON)

Since our winter is so long.....the tundra swan is an incredible and beautiful vision

— Submitted on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 by Gerard Voghel (Cameron, ON)

Beauty, Peace and Grace - words that describe the Swan are also words that remind me of Canada.Namaste

— Submitted on Saturday, March 12, 2016 by lanee brown (collingwood, ON)

I would like the "Trumpeter Swan" as Canadas bird. It is bigger than the "Tundra Swan".
Since the Trumpeter is not in the running I would vote for the Tundra Swan.

I think the Swan is such a graceful bird, goes about its business and does not bother people. A great sight to see when they are coming north in the spring

— Submitted on Tuesday, January 12, 2016 by Grace Menarik (Montreal, QC)

The Tundra Swan should be Canada's national bird because it is capable of it. Tundra Swans are always confident. You can tell by the way hold their heads up high, defeating anything that comes in their path. Watching the Tundra swan is the most fascinating part. Especially when the dip for food. We should make Canada pop out on the map. And just because you voted for this bird you are making peace through out Canada. Plus we get to show off and brag about it! The Canadian National Bird should be a majestic and beautiful bird. So the Tundra swan is your perfect match! So... VOTE NOW BEFORE ITS TOO LATE!

— Submitted on Monday, May 25, 2015 by Joana V (Milton, ON)

It doesn't matter that you only have 38 votes. You are beautiful, graceful, and make the most delightful sound when I see you migrate.

— Submitted on Monday, March 23, 2015 by Michelle Chartrand (Mississauga, ON)

i think the Canada national bird should be the Tudra Swan . it a nice looking bird !and you can fine them any were

— Submitted on Monday, March 9, 2015 by Karen Thompson (Bracebridge, ON)

A strong, majestic, protective, not hunted bird.

— Submitted on Monday, March 9, 2015 by Kathryn Rayson (Port Carling, ON)

Considering its range, I think the Tundra Swan would make a fine candidate. There are more "obvious" choices, and I see that people are choosing them. But I want to put a vote in for this beautiful species. So much of Canada is "tundra" and all of Canada is beautiful, just like this elegant swan. Need I say more?!

— Submitted on Sunday, February 1, 2015 by Victoria White (London, ON)

The Tundra Swan is greatly under-appreciated by Canadians. If it were to become our National Bird, perhaps it would receive the recognition it deserves.

#swoonie

— Submitted on Tuesday, January 27, 2015 by Julia Matchim (Smiths Falls, ON)

They are beautiful - graceful - and gentle

— Submitted on Monday, January 26, 2015 by Laurie Swanson (Victoria, BC)

Beautiful bird, from our disappearing tundra.

— Submitted on Sunday, January 18, 2015 by Frank Habets (Nepean, ON)

Beautiful, strong and enduring.

— Submitted on Saturday, January 17, 2015 by Debra Steeves (AYR,, ON)

the Canada Goose? Seriously? It annoys everyone and leaves treats and tributes in its wake! the white swan draped in the red and white flag of Canada!

Oh, and by the way ... a Canadian survey with American states?

— Submitted on Wednesday, January 7, 2015 by Steven Gaetz (Winnipeg, MB)

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