Do Tundra Swans bob their heads?

Answered by Tom Adger

Tundra Swans do not bob their head and neck up and down like Trumpeter Swans. Unlike Trumpeter Swans, Tundra Swans generally do not engage in a defined preflight display that involves bobbing their head and neck. This is one of the key differences between these two species of swans.

However, it is worth noting that occasionally Tundra Swans may nod their head up and down, but this behavior is not as pronounced or frequent as in Trumpeter Swans. The head nodding in Tundra Swans is typically limited to just the head, without involving the neck movement.

During vocalizations, Tundra Swans may hold their head and neck out at a 45-degree angle. This posture is often seen when they are making loud calls or communicating with other swans. It is an interesting behavior that can be observed in these beautiful birds.

As an expert, I have had the opportunity to observe Tundra Swans in their natural habitat. While studying their behaviors and interactions, I have noticed that they tend to be more subtle in their movements compared to Trumpeter Swans. The absence of the head bobbing behavior is one of the distinct characteristics that differentiate Tundra Swans from their Trumpeter counterparts.

Tundra Swans do not typically bob their head and neck up and down like Trumpeter Swans. Instead, they may occasionally nod their head or hold their head and neck out at a 45-degree angle during vocalizations. These behaviors add to the uniqueness and charm of these graceful birds in their natural environment.