Trumpeter Swan Family YELL-WINT SER (Cygnus buccinator)

This species is the heaviest bird native to North America, and on average is the largest living waterfowl species worldwide. It neared extirpation in the early 1900's, but due to active government (USA & Canada) programs of protection it has rebounded to its present total population of 20,000-30,000. Yellowstone National Park (YNP) is one of a small number of breeding sites in conterminous USA, 10 or fewer birds breeding there in recent summers. Winter populations in YNP are larger; this bird was one of 20-30 birds wintering on the Madison River alone. This family may have been among the few to successfully (so far) raise cygnets in YNP in 2011-2012.