Tundra Swans are migratory birds. There are 3 types of Swans migrating to Alaska in the Spring:

          - Trumpeter Swans
          - Tundra Swans
          - Whooper Swans

Trumpeter and Tundra Swans are the more common types in Alaska, while Whooper Swans can be found in rather small numbers in the Aleutian Islands.

Tundra and Trumpeter Swans are quite similar in appearance, but look closely, and you will find a few differences.

Tundra Swans are smaller with an average length of 53 inches (versus 60 inches), and a wingspan of approximately 75 inches (versus 90 inches).

They often have a yellow dot on the side of the bill. However, the lack of yellow dot alone is not sufficient in indentifying a species because Tundra Swans don't always have that characteristic.

See complete sequence of pictures
of this Tundra Swan taking off >

The Tundra Swan population is composed of 2 main migratory groups:

    - the Western group migrates to Alaska from California, Washington State and British Columbia.

    - the Eastern group migrates to Alaska from the Carolinas, Virginia and neighboring mid-Atlantic states.

See Tundra Swans on Frozen Lake >

White on white, the Tundra Swans blend magically in the backdrop of the pristine frozen lake. There is no doubt, they trully belong here...

This pair of Tundra Swans is resting from a long migration. They will continue their journey further north to their breeding grounds.

The sun is low on the horizon, but the Swans are still hundreds of miles away from the promised land. They need to reach the shores of the Beaufort Sea where they nest.

Tundra Swans can also be seen in the Anchorage area. This pair enjoyed a lay over in the city.