Trumpeter Swans in Wisconsin: Celebrating a Conservation Triumph
- Wings Over Wisconsin
- May 22
- 3 min read
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.

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.
Learn More
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
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