Whistling swan
Whistling swan, (Cygnus columbianus), species of North American swan that calls with a soft musical note. It has a black bill, usually with a small yellow spot near the eye. It breeds in the Arctic tundra and winters in shallow fresh or salt water, especially along eastern and western U.S. coasts.
This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.
Citation Information
Article Title:
Whistling swan
Website Name:
Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher:
Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published:
12 November 2026
Access Date:
November 15, 2026