Come identificare Tundra Swan

Per identificare correttamente Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus), controlla ciascuna di queste caratteristiche. Gli uccelli possono essere complicati da riconoscere, perché comportamento, habitat e canto spesso confermano ciò che una sola foto non può.

Dimensioni a colpo d'occhio

Lunghezza

115-150 cm

Apertura alare

170-195 cm

Peso

3.4-9.6 kg

Caratteristiche fisiche da controllare

1. 1

   Piumaggio

   Colorazione e disegno generale del piumaggio.

   Adults are entirely pure white. Juveniles have a greyish wash, particularly on the head and neck, which fades to white by their first winter.

2. 2

   Forma del becco

   Forma e colore del becco, un segno di campo chiave.

   Relatively short and stout compared to other swans, entirely black with a prominent yellow patch at the base of the upper mandible. The size and shape of the yellow patch are highly variable and can be used for individual identification, especially in the Bewick's Swan subspecies.

3. 3

   Colore degli occhi

   Colore dell'iride e segni distintivi sugli occhi.

   Dark brown

4. 4

   Colore delle zampe

   Colore di zampe e piedi.

   Black

5. 5

   Caratteristiche distintive

   Tratti distintivi che separano questa specie.

   The most distinctive feature is the black bill with a yellow patch at the base. The extent of the yellow varies geographically and individually. It has a relatively short neck compared to the Mute Swan, and typically holds its neck straight. The call is a distinctive 'whooping' or 'barking' sound.

6. 6

   Aspetto giovanile

   Come i giovani si differenziano dagli adulti.

   Juveniles have a greyish-brown wash over their white plumage, particularly on the head and neck, and their bill is pinkish-grey with a black tip, gradually acquiring the adult black and yellow pattern over their first year.

7. 7

   Cambiamenti stagionali

   Variazione del piumaggio tra stagione riproduttiva e non.

   No significant seasonal plumage changes, as they maintain their white plumage year-round. However, plumage can become stained with iron-rich water, appearing rusty on the head and neck.

8. 8

   Dimorfismo sessuale

   Differenze tra maschi e femmine.

   Males (cobs) are generally slightly larger than females (pens), but plumage is identical.

Segni di campo chiave

• Bill coloration. Look for a black bill with a distinct yellow patch at the base. The size and shape of this yellow patch are key. In North America, the yellow is often a small spot (Whistling Swan). In Eurasia (Bewick's Swan), the yellow patch is typically larger and more variable, often extending further along the culmen.
• Neck posture. Tundra Swans typically hold their long neck straight and erect, unlike the S-curve of the Mute Swan.
• Size. They are smaller than Mute and Trumpeter Swans, but larger than geese. This can be difficult to judge without a direct comparison.
• Vocalizations. Listen for their characteristic 'whooping' or 'barking' calls, especially in flight. This is a reliable identifier, distinguishing them from the silent Mute Swan and the bugling Trumpeter/Whooper Swans.
• Juvenile plumage. Young birds have a greyish wash and a pinkish-grey bill with a black tip, which helps distinguish them from adult swans.

Esplora Tundra Swan