Trumpeter Swan Re-Introduction Program

Winter & Migration Information

Trumpeter Swans are well adapted to living in cold weather conditions. The dense down can be almost 5 cm thick, which ensures that the swans can tolerate very cold conditions, even temperatures below -30∞C for extended periods of time.

To survive the winter, the swans require open water for feeding and bathing in, and access to an adequate supply of food. They can often be seen in the winter months sitting on the ice near open water, with their feet pulled up into their feathers for warmth, and their bills tucked in under one wing, seemingly unaffected by the cold weather.

Trumpeter Swans historically learned to migrate from their parents, rather than relying on instinct, and unfortunately, the crucial knowledge of migratory routes was lost when Trumpeters were extirpated from Ontario. Captive breeding pairs don't have the ability or migration knowledge to teach their offspring, and released swans must establish and learn traditions for themselves if they are to migrate at all.

Many of our swans still over-winter at Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre, where open water and food are provided for them. Fortunately, over the past decade, a migration tradition to the north shore of Lake Ontario has developed in some of our birds. Two families migrated to Lake Ontario this past winter. Usually 50 to 70 Trumpeter Swans migrate but the warm weather kept them in the Wye Valley area.