Total Population Numbers

The 2005 assessment of the Trumpeter swan (Cygnus buccinator) revealed continental numbers at a record level since surveys were first conducted in 1968. Current estimates put the North American Trumpeter swan population at 34,803. This new number is 47% higher than the numbers estimated during the 2000 survey.

The majority of the swans remain in the Pacific Coast population, which includes western Canada and Alaska and showed an overall increase of 42%.
The Rocky Mountain population also showed an overall increase of 43%, but most of this increase occured in the Canadian portions of the populations.
The Interior Population showed an increase of 91% between the 2000 survey year and the 2005 survey year.

In Closing:

After the initial surveys were done in 1968, the US Fish & Wildlife service set goal numbers for each of the three regions.

  • One major goal for the PCP trumpeter swans was, in part, to "maintain not less than 25,000 swans" measured by the quinquennial surveys. The 2005 survey indicates that goal will be met within the 2006 breeding season.
  • The major population goal for the RMP is a "5% average annual growth in the number of wintering birds". The RMP plan contains additional flock specific goals which have not been met yet, according to the 2005 report.
  • The major population goal for the IP plan of "at least 2,000 birds and 180 successful breeding pairs by 2001" was achieved and verified during the 2000 survey (2,430 swans and 203 successful broods).

These are all good results regarding the major population goals for the three subsections of the North American continent, it should be noted that each management plan includes additional goals and objectives that have not yet resulted in their desired outcome.

The information contained within this article on the status of the Population of Trumpeter Swans was obtained from a final report issued by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. There are many additional charts and data that is not included in this summary. You can find this report, 2005 Swan Survey Report (PDF file) here:

Swan Report Link Page

If the document cannot be found, I can email a copy if you send a request via the contact information below.

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