Large areas of shallow water with
vegetation such as bulrushes, sedges and cattails are common nesting areas for
trumpeter swans. Nests are built on top of former muskrat and beaver lodges or
on mounds of vegetation. Trumpeter swans breed from as early as 2 years of age,
usually laying 5 creamy white eggs from between April to June. The eggs incubate
about 32 days and the young fledge at about 14 weeks.
Preening is vital to maintaining
the bird's plumage. When preening, the swan presses its bill against an oil
gland located at the base of the tail to extract a greasy fluid which is used to
clean, recondition and waterproof the feathers.
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