Trumpeter Swans in Wisconsin: Celebrating a Conservation Triumph

Once a silent memory in Wisconsin’s wetlands, the Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) has made a remarkable comeback. From near extinction to a thriving population, this majestic bird’s journey is a testament to the power of conservation, community involvement, and habitat restoration.

Two elegant trumpeter swans glide across the serene pond, their reflections shimmering in the sunlight.

Life History & Migration

Trumpeter Swans breed across scattered regions of western Canada and the northern U.S., including parts of Wisconsin. They favor wetlands such as emergent marshes, sedge meadows, open bogs, and wild rice beds. Nesting usually occurs on mounds made of sedges and cattail tubers, often on top of muskrat or beaver lodges.

• Breeding Season: Early May to late June

• Migration Arrival: Late March to early May

• Departure: Early November

• Winter Range: Central and southern U.S., including Wisconsin, Missouri, Texas, and Kentucky

• Foraging Style: Dabbling in shallow waters for aquatic plants

In winter, they shift to streams, lakes, pastures, and cropland, feeding on a mix of aquatic and agricultural vegetation.

Habitat Selection & Use

Trumpeter Swans require large, shallow wetlands with abundant aquatic plants like sago pondweed, bulrush, sedges, and wild rice. These sites must offer both food and protection—areas with emergent vegetation for cover and low levels of human disturbance are essential.

During migration and winter, swans utilize larger lakes, marshes, and fields, making the quality of food during these seasons vital to reproductive success the following spring.

Habitat Availability in Wisconsin

Wisconsin's most important Trumpeter Swan habitats include:

• Crex Meadows

• Mead, Fish Lake, and Sandhill Wildlife Areas

• Necedah National Wildlife Refuge

• Wood County and Meadow Valley Wetlands

Unfortunately, the state has lost over 47% of its original wetlands due to development and agriculture. Additional threats include shoreland development, invasive carp, and reduced water quality, all of which decrease suitable habitat for swans and other wetland species.

Population Concerns

By 1932, Trumpeter Swans were completely extirpated from Wisconsin due to overhunting and habitat loss. Fewer than 70 individuals remained in the continental U.S. south of Canada.

Through aggressive reintroduction efforts and habitat management:

• Wisconsin now supports 98 nesting pairs across 18 counties.

• The 2005 continental population was over 34,800, the highest since records began.

However, challenges persist:

• Lead poisoning from fishing sinkers and spent ammunition

• Wetland degradation from development and invasive species like Mute Swans, carp, and purple loosestrife

Conservation & Management Strategies

To ensure continued recovery, conservation strategies include:

• Preserving and restoring wetlands and sedge meadows

• Controlling invasive species such as carp and Mute Swans

• Minimizing human disturbance near nesting areas

• Enhancing partnerships between the WDNR, conservation groups, and landowners

Research Needs

More research is needed to guide effective long-term management:

• Nutritional studies comparing agricultural vs. natural diets

• Impact of chemical contamination on reproductive success

• Evaluating reintroduction techniques

• Tracking population dynamics to determine self-sustainability

How You Can Help

Organizations like Wings Over Wisconsin are essential to Trumpeter Swan conservation. Through habitat restoration, public education, and grassroots involvement, Wings Over Wisconsin works to protect the places these birds call home.

Organizations like Wings Over Wisconsin are essential to Trumpeter Swan conservation. Through habitat restoration, public education, and grassroots involvement, Wings Over Wisconsin works to protect the wetlands and natural spaces these birds depend on.

Get Involved:

• Learn more: www.wingsoverwisconsin.org

• Join a local chapter: www.wingsoverwisconsin.org/chapters

• Donate to conservation: Your financial support helps fund wetland restoration projects, purchase native plants, provide educational resources, and protect critical swan nesting areas.

Donate to Wings Mission

Learn More

• Trumpeter Swan Facts – WDNR

• The Trumpeter Swan Society

• Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas

• North American Breeding Bird Survey

If You Could Support Conservation, What Would You Prefer to Do?

• Volunteer with a local chapter
• Donate to organizations like Wings Over Wisconsin
• Educate others about wetland wildlife
• Advocate for environmental policies