Tundra swan :: essays research papers

TUNDRA SWANThe Tundra depone is the most widespread and numerous species of swan in North America. though the Tundra Swan is mostly found in Alaska or Canada, m whatsoever flocks are now beign spoted in Oregon. Tundra swans, once called whistlers, are winter vi mountors to Oregon. More and more are now seen in the Willamette Valley and along the Columbia River northwestern United States of Portland.With a wingspread to about 7 feet, males weigh around 20 lbs. Tundras vary in size from 4 to 4 1/2 ft. long. Females are slightly smaller than males. Sometimes tundras are mistaken for hoodwink geese which are much smaller birds with black wing tips. You can for certain tell a Tundra Swan from their bill. It is all black bill with variably-sized jaundiceded spot at base. Some swans pack short, duck-like bills... but the Tundra Swan has a long, strait bill. Imature Tundra Swans have a body much grayer than an adult. Males are called cobs spot females are called pens.When nesting, Swans gather and pile up grass and mosses within coulomb yards of body of water. The resulting nest measures about 6 feet across and 12-18 inches high. This nest will survive the eggs above water level and provide a piquet station for the swans to guard against predators. During incubation, females care for the eggs while their mates rack guard nearby. The female does most of the incubation, but the male will sit on the nest while she eats. The nest varies from 2-8 rough shelled, pale yellow or creamy/ white eggs which hatch in new-fashioned June. When the downy, ash-gray chicks emerge... they weigh about 180 g. They are soon fitted to forage for themselves. Both parents help them find suitable plant solid food around the peramiters of the nest. The young enter the water soon after hatching. fare for the tundra swans is largely vegetative. Their long necks equip them to reach bulbous roots which they break with their feet from the bottom of the shallow ponds. Occasionally th ey will feed on advance crops. season wintering on the east coast, they also feed on mollusks and crustaceans. While the flock is feeding one swan stands guard to warn of any approaching danger.To achieve flight, swans face the wind, run along the surface of water for 15 to 20 feet, flap their wings, and beat the water with their feet alternately until they have gained sufficient headway to launch into the air.