There’s a graceful new arrival gliding through Horseshoe Lake in the center of Northwest Trek Wildlife Park’s 435-acre Free-Roaming Area—her name is Trillium. With her elegant white feathers and distinct black bill, this female trumpeter swan recently joined Northwest Trek resident swan Lily.
Before meeting Lily, Trillium underwent a thorough wellness exam with Northwest Trek’s veterinary team. She received top-notch care, including checks of her eyes, mouth, and ears, full-body X-rays, and a comprehensive blood analysis.
Trumpeter swans are the largest native waterfowl in North America. They measure between 54 and 62 inches in length, boast an impressive wingspan of nearly 80 inches, and weigh up to 28 pounds. They thrive in marshes, ponds, and lakes across the western and central U.S., Canada, and Alaska, feeding mainly on aquatic plants. A light-colored “grin line” at the base of their bill helps distinguish them from their similar cousins, the Tundra swans.
Known for forming life-long monogamous pairs, trumpeter swans fiercely defend their spring breeding territories, spanning 70 to 150 acres, while nesting and raising their young. During the breeding season from May to July, females build nests of plant matter in shallow waters and incubate clutches of up to nine eggs. Cygnets typically hatch after just over a month of careful tending.
Though Trillium and Lily are both female, their bond as swans is still meaningful. Trumpeters often form tightly knit family groups and communicate in a range of ways, including trumpet-like vocalizations and expressive body language. Watch for head-bobbing, which can signal courtship, recognition, or even a swan-sized dose of excitement.
