Cygnus columbianus

As its name implies, the tundra swan breeds on the Arctic tundra and winters along both North American coasts. These swans migrate through Utah each spring and fall.

During the breeding season, the tundra swan sleeps almost entirely on land. In the winter, it sleeps more often on water. The tundra swan stays in flocks except when on a breeding territory.

The swans are ground nesters, and as such, they are vulnerable to predators, including foxes, weasels, jaegers and gulls. Parents will defend the nest and nestlings from these threats. But they leave the nest when larger predators, such as wolves and bears, are present. By leaving the nest quickly, they make the nest harder for the large predator to find.

The swans are large birds, measuring 47-58 inches, with a wingspan of 66 inches. They weigh 8-23 pounds.

Tundra swans have a completely white plumage and strike a stately profile, with a long straight neck, black bill and face. They have a yellow spot in front of their black eyes.

Utah's Swan Day is being celebrated Saturday. The Layton Wild Bird Center will host a free bird walk at Farmington Bay to see the migrating tundra swans. The group will leave the Wild Bird Center at 10 a.m. Call 801-525-8400 to register.

---

* BILL FENIMORE is owner of the Layton Wild Bird Center (www.wild bird.com/layton).