The tundra swan is a large migratory waterfowl species that breeds in the Arctic tundra during the summer months and migrates south to warmer climates for the winter. Tundra swans are known for their distinct white plumage, long necks, and melodious bugling calls. During migration and on their wintering grounds, tundra swans can be found in large flocks at lakes, ponds, marshes, rivers, and coastal estuaries. With a wingspan of over 6 feet, the tundra swan is one of the largest waterfowl species in North America. If you hope to catch a glimpse of these elegant birds, here is some key information on where you can find tundra swans throughout their range.
Breeding Grounds
Tundra swans nest in the tundra wetlands of Alaska, northern Canada, and far northeastern Russia during the summer months of May through August. Their breeding grounds extend from the Seward Peninsula of Alaska across the North Slope, through Canada’s Yukon and Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and northern Manitoba. Smaller numbers breed even further east in Quebec’s Ungava Peninsula and on islands in the eastern Canadian Arctic Archipelago. During summer, look for tundra swans on shallow tundra pools, ponds, lakes, and streams where they feed and build large mounds of vegetation for their nests. The remote location of their Arctic breeding areas makes them hardest to access at this time of year. Most opportunities to see tundra swans in summer are in the Northwest Territories along the Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway near Aklavik or via floatplane charters out of Inuvik that can take visitors to Herschel Island and other nesting sites.
Fall Migration
In September, tundra swans start their southern migration, working their way south through Canada’s Prairie Provinces and along major rivers and wetlands across the western and central United States. During this time, they stop to rest and feed in shallow marshes, lakes, and agricultural fields. Look for flocks of tundra swans at the following locations throughout their fall migration corridor:
- Northern Alberta – Peace-Athabasca Delta, Lake Claire, Lonewolf Valley
- Southern Alberta – Frank Lake, Johnson Lake, Bassano Reservoir
- Saskatchewan – Last Mountain Lake, Quill Lakes, Yellowhead marshes
- Manitoba – Delta Marsh, Oak Hammock Marsh, Whitewater Lake
- Montana – Freezout Lake, Benton Lake, Missouri River reservoirs
- Wyoming – Hutton Lake, Ocean Lake
- Utah – Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
- Idaho – Camas National Wildlife Refuge
- Nevada – Ruby Lake, Carson Lake
- Oregon – Summer Lake, Malheur National Wildlife Refuge
- California – Lower Klamath NWR, Tule Lake NWR, Sacramento NWR Complex
The tundra swan’s massive size and bright white plumage make it easy to spot amidst flocks of ducks, geese, and other swan species. Make use of local birding hotspots, wildlife refuges, and nature preserves along their flyway to catch them during the fall migration months of October and November.
Wintering Grounds
By December, most tundra swans have reached their traditional wintering grounds in the eastern and western United States. Here they spend the winter months from December to February feeding in shallow wetlands, saltwater bays, and estuaries. The milder climates and abundant aquatic vegetation let the swans build up fat reserves for their long migration back north. The top areas to find overwintering tundra swans include:
Eastern Wintering Sites
- Chesapeake Bay – Blackwater NWR, Eastern Neck NWR, Chincoteague NWR
- North Carolina – Mattamuskeet NWR, Pocosin Lakes NWR
- South Carolina – Cape Romain NWR, Santee NWR
- Georgia – Okefenokee NWR
- Florida – St. Marks NWR, Loxahatchee NWR, Hobe Sound
Western Wintering Sites
- Washington – Skagit Wildlife Area, Ridgefield NWR, Dungeness NWR
- Oregon – Sauvie Island, Malheur NWR, Summer Lake Wildlife Area
- California – Sacramento NWR, Suisun Marsh, Morro Bay
Check coastal estuaries, large wetland impoundments, and lakes where swans congregate in the thousands from December to February. Wildlife refuges provide excellent public access for swan viewing at many wintering sites across the eastern and western U.S.
Spring Migration
As winter comes to an end, tundra swans begin migrating north again in March and April. Look for large flocks stopping over at many of the same wetlands, lakes, and rivers used during their southbound migration. Key spring migration stopover sites include:
- Utah – Bear River MBR, Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area
- Idaho – Camas NWR, Market Lake WMA, Mud Lake WMA
- Oregon – Summer Lake Wildlife Area, Malheur NWR
- Washington – Turnbull NWR, McNary NWR
- Montana – Freezout Lake WMA, Benton Lake NWR
- Saskatchewan – Last Mountain Lake National Wildlife Area, Quill Lakes
- Manitoba – Oak Hammock Marsh, Delta Marsh Bird Observatory
Positioning yourself along the migration flyways in March and April maximizes the chance to see flocks of swans as they wing their way back to Arctic breeding areas. Wildlife refuges, state wildlife management areas, and bird observatories provide excellent access during the spring migration.
A Wintering Ground Comparison
Wintering Site | State | Estimated Swan Population | Top Viewing Locations |
---|---|---|---|
Skagit Valley | Washington | 20,000 | Fir Island Farms, Scott Rd, Wylie Rd |
Chesapeake Bay | Maryland | 24,000 | Blackwater NWR, Chincoteague NWR |
Mattamuskeet NWR | North Carolina | 18,000 | Entrance road, hiking trails, observation tower |
Sacramento NWR | California | 7,000 | Auto tour route, viewing platform |
This table compares estimated tundra swan populations and top viewing spots at a few of the major wintering sites across the U.S. It provides examples of some of the best places to see thousands of wintering tundra swans from December to February.
Tips for Finding Tundra Swans
Here are some useful tips to improve your chances of finding tundra swans during their migration and on their wintering grounds:
- Use binoculars or spotting scopes to scan flocks of waterfowl for the large white birds.
- Listen for the swans’ loud, ringing bugle calls which carry far over marshes.
- Check shallow wetlands, flooded fields, and estuaries where swans feed during migration and winter.
- Time your visit for peak concentrations from November to February.
- Look for the tundra swan’s distinctive yellow spot in front of the eye.
- Visit national wildlife refuges and state waterfowl management areas.
- Follow flocks in flight to locate wetlands where they are landing.
With prime viewing locations across the United States, seeing tundra swans is an accessible and exciting experience for birders during the colder months of the year. Use this guide to key in on the migratory hotspots and wintering grounds where your chances of spotting these elegant white birds are highest. Grab your binoculars this winter and see if you can catch the tundra swans passing through a wetland near you.
Conclusion
In summary, tundra swans nest in the remote Arctic tundra during summer but migrate south to spend the winter in large flocks at wetlands and coastal areas across the United States. Look for them at national wildlife refuges and migration hotspots along the Pacific and Central Flyways in fall and spring. Prime winter viewing is on the East Coast from the Chesapeake Bay south and along the West Coast in Washington, Oregon, and California. timing your visits for peak migration and wintering periods, scoping flocks carefully, and listening for their calls are the best ways to catch sight of tundra swans in action. With a little effort, you can experience the beauty of these snowy-white birds on their epic migratory journey across North America.