How do seasonal changes affect Tundra Swan behavior?

Breeding and Nesting Habits

Tundra Swans typically breed in the Arctic tundra during the summer months, from May to August. During this time, they form long-term monogamous relationships, with pairs staying together for up to 20 years. Breeding swans establish territories and engage in courtship displays, including neck-stretching, beak-clattering, and wing-flapping. Females lay 2-6 eggs in a nest made of vegetation and down, and both parents take turns incubating the eggs for approximately 28-30 days.

Migration and Wintering Grounds

As the summer fades, Tundra Swans begin their long migration to warmer climates, often traveling in large flocks of up to 100,000 individuals. They follow established flyways, stopping to rest and feed at key locations along the way. In the winter, swans congregate in areas with abundant food sources, such as agricultural fields, wetlands, and coastal areas. They can be found in the southern United States, Mexico, and the Gulf Coast, where they feed on terrestrial plants, grains, and aquatic vegetation.

Feeding Habits and Foraging Techniques

Tundra Swans are herbivores, and their feeding habits vary depending on the season. In the summer, they feed on aquatic plants, such as water lilies and algae, using their beaks to filter water and extract plants. In the winter, they switch to terrestrial plants, including grasses, sedges, and grains. To forage for these plants, swans use a variety of techniques, including upending, where they tip their bodies upside down to access plants in shallow water, and dabbling, where they wade in shallow water to feed on aquatic vegetation.