This is an adult Tundra Swan. Tundra Swans can easily be confused with the larger Trumpeter Swans, especially since they often overlap in the winter migration locations.
Unless the two species appear together, it is hard to tell them apart. Adult birds are both white and have black bills. However, the bills of Trumpeter Swans are much larger, as are their bodies. Trumpeter Swans are the heaviest native North American bird.
There is one distinctive way to tell the difference between the two impressive birds. Tundra Swans sometimes have a small yellow spot at the base of the bill below the eye.
Note the small yellow spot just below the swan’s eye.
The problem is that not all Tundra Swans have this identifying mark. So, relying on expert birders to help make a defining identification is recommended. Using a reliable birding field guide should also help.
I hope you get to see both Tundra and Trumpeter Swans. If you do, I also hope they are together so you can tell them apart more easily.
© Bruce Stambaugh 2026
Roadkill Crossing 
thanks, I wouldn’t have known –
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Interesting! It really is difficult to tell them apart. Thanks for the info. 😊
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Great photo and info, Bruce! Us birders around the Chesapeake Bay region are always looking for a Trumpeter, considered rare, but they are showing up more and more in the Tundra Swans mix. We use your tip for IDing and also the distinct difference of the swan’s beak at the top. When you can see the face front more, the Tundra’s beak top is U-shaped and the Trumpeter’s is deep V-shaped. I am not looking forward to our swans leaving in the next few weeks…..they are so elegant!
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Thank you. I appreciate the additional ID info.
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