A different take on the trumpeter-mute swan rivalry

January 31, 2025

Wilson Kerr’s ”Swan Song” column which appeared on January 19 is a lovely portrayal of the majestic swans in the area but unfortunately perpetuates several misconceptions about mute swans.

The article claims that mute swans are responsible for the decline in the trumpeter swan population over a hundred years ago. In fact, mute swans were not a factor. Trumpeters were hunted by humans to near-extinction.

The article also claims they are bullies and far more aggressive than trumpeters. In fact, numerous studies have established that by far the greatest aggression by swans is directed at other swans, not other waterbirds. Indeed, the Swan Specialist Group of Wetlands International reports, “Studies of breeding waterbirds found no evidence that swans exclude other waterbirds from habitat or reduce breeding densities.” Relative to trumpeter swans, a study conducted by the father of trumpeters’ re-introduction in Ontario, Canada, observed trumpeters attacking mutes 22 to 55 times more frequently than the reverse. He reported, “Domination by trumpeter pairs of mute pairs in breeding areas is usually accomplished by direct attack,” leaving the mute cobs (males) badly beaten. This led Harry Lumsden to predict that “trumpeters will prove to be very formidable competitors and … will eventually occupy the best habitat.”

Portrayals that misrepresent mute swans contribute to the bias against them and harms that come their way as a result. I hope you will set the record straight.

Kelly Duffin

Founder, Mute Swan Society

Leaves Terrace

Toronto, Ontario