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In
the light of dawn
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The adult
trumpeter swan is all white and has a broad, flat bill with a
red stripe along the edge of the lower mandible. The bill has
fine tooth-like serrations along the edges that strain water
when the bird feeds on aquatic vegetation. Its long neck allows
the swan to uproot plants in 4 feet of water. Sometimes there is
a rust tint on the head and neck because of iron in the water.
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| Male swans are
called "cobs", female swans are "pens", and
young swans up to 1 year of age are "cygnets". In a
standing position, an adult swan is about 4 ft. high and the wingspan
is between 6 to 8 feet. Its defense mechanism is striking
predators with those powerful wings.
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Trumpeter
swan pair
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Stretching |
The adult male typically weighs between
26 to 30 lbs. and the female averages at about 21 to 22 lbs. Trumpeter swans
mate for life and may live for 20 to 30 years. If one member of
a pair dies, the survivor usually finds another mate. |
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Each
year the adult swan goes through a period of molting all its
feathers making it flightless for 1 to 2 months. This usually
occurs during the warmest months of July and August.
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Resting
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