Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus ), Benson STP, Pima County

This Tundra Swan was recently discovered at the Benson STP in Benson AZ. Tundra Swan is a casual to rare transient in winter in Southeast Arizona .

Photographed by Martha Auslander on December 27, 2006.

Tundra vs. Trumpeter Swan has been a notorious identification challenge in Arizon. The adult here is straight forward with extensive yellow on the face, but younger birds can be problematic.

Click here for an excellent aticle by David Sibley on Trumpeter vs. Tundra Identification. http://www.sibleyguides.com/swans.htm