An Unusual Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) in Nebraska: Albinism or Leucism?

Authors

Jacob C. Cooper, University of Nebraska at Kearney and Negaunee Integrative Research Center, Field Museum, ChicagoFollow
Peggy M. Huss, University of Nebraska at Kearney
Eugene A. Huryn, University of Nebraska at Kearney
Cody McGregor, University of Nebraska at Kearney

Date of this Version

6-2025

Document Type

Article

Citation

Nebraska Bird Review, volume 93, number 2, June 2025, pp. 91–96.

Comments

Published by the Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union, Inc.

Abstract

On 26 January 2025, we observed a large mixed flock of Trumpeter Swans (Cygnus buccinator) and Tundra Swans (C. columbianus) at Hansen Reservoir ca. 7 miles (11 km) NNW of North Platte along the east side of Nebraska Highway 97. The flock of 158 swans consisted of 4 “Whistling” Tundra Swans (C. c. columbianus), 153 typical Trumpeter Swans, and one individual that we were not immediately able to identify. Our unknown swan was in the company of a family group of Trumpeter Swans but immediately stood out due to its broad yellow base of the bill. Furthermore, on the ice and in the water, it was clear that this bird had bright yellow or yellow-orange legs and feet, something not typical of any swan species in the same age class as the birds we were observing. . . . We concluded, after discussion with other ornithologists, that the bird in question was a Trumpeter Swan based on overall bill structure, body proportions, and its affiliation with other Trumpeter Swans, but clearly one that possessed some form of leucism or partial albinism. . . . We encourage observers throughout the region to keep an eye out for aberrant swans to help document variation within the Sandhills population, as well as improve our understanding of leucism and albinism within this species.