Tundra swan :: essays research papers

TUNDRA SWANThe Tundra avow is the most widespread and numerous species of swan in North America. Though the Tundra Swan is mostly tack together in Alaska or Canada, many flocks are now beign spoted in Oregon. Tundra swans, erst called whistlers, are winter visitors to Oregon. More and more are now seen in the Willamette Valley and along the Columbia River northwest of Portland.With a wingspread to somewhat 7 feet, males weigh around 20 lbs. Tundras vary in sur casing from 4 to 4 1/2 ft. long. Females are slightly small than males. just astir(predicate)times tundras are mistaken for snow geese which are much smaller birds with black wing tips. You can certainly tell a Tundra Swan from their bill. It is all black bill with variably-sized yellow spot at base. Some swans have 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 musical composition females are called pens.When nes ting, Swans gather and tidy sum up grass and mosses within 100 yards of pissing. The resulting nest measures about 6 feet across and 12-18 inches high. This nest will support the eggs above water level and provide a lookout station for the swans to guard against predators. During incubation, females negociate for the eggs while their mates stand 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/ flannel eggs which hatch in late June. When the downy, ash-gray chicks emerge... they weigh about 180 g. They are soon able to forage for themselves. Both parents garter them find suitable plant food around the peramiters of the nest. The young go far the water soon after hatching.Food for the tundra swans is largely vegetative. Their long necks apparel them to reach bulbous roots which they dislodge with their feet from the bottom of the shallow ponds. at times they wil l feed on farm crops. While wintering on the eastmost coast, they also feed on mollusks and crustaceans. While the flock is feeding ane 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, bicker their wings, and beat the water with their feet alternately until they have gained sufficient headway to install into the air.