Swan song and calls

Birdsong and calls are often the easiest way to identify the Swan, especially when the bird is hidden in dense foliage. Below is what to listen for.

Song

Swans do not have complex songs. Their vocalizations are generally described as calls.

Calls

Vocalizations vary significantly by species. Mute Swans are largely silent, producing hisses, snorts, and soft grunts, with a distinctive 'wing music' (a throbbing sound made by their wings in flight). Whooper Swans have a loud, bugling 'whoop-whoop-whoop' call. Trumpeter Swans have a deep, resonant, horn-like 'oh-OH' call. Tundra Swans have a higher-pitched, more musical 'woo-woo-woo' or 'hoo-hoo-hoo' call. Black Swans have a musical, bugling call and hisses.

When they vocalize

Calls are typically given during alarm, territorial disputes, pair bonding, or during flight, especially in migratory species.

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