The Pair. Size is relative, though, and it can be challenging to identify a single swan without another bird to compare it to. Swans may live up to 35 years. While they inhabit a variety of different ecosystems, their homes must have underwater vegetation for feeding, and plants on the land for nesting. Tundra Swans in North America are part of a larger species distribution. North America's Tundra Swans nest in the arctic, and migrate for the winter either east to the Atlantic Flyway to the Chesapeake area, or west to California. Reality: Swans often do stay with their partners for life. In a protected environment this figure can reach 30 years. Habitat of the Black Swan. 1. The mute swan is about 1.5 m (about 5 ft) in length and weighs up to 13.5 kg (30 lb). The birds here nest within metres of each other and are quite able to live within such close proximity that would be almost impossible in a normal location where swans live. Their short legs make them more awkward on land, but they may graze here too. Unlike some other species of waterfowl, black swans do not live solely freshwater habitats. They will range through fresh, salt, and brackish water (a mixture of the two). In the wild, with all the hazards they have to live with (vandals, pollution, dogs, mink, overhead cables, bridges, pylons, lead poisoning, fishing-tackle injuries etc), an average lifespan would be 12 years. The swans are the largest of the waterfowl and are some of the most beautiful birds to look at. They eat water plants and their long flexible necks help them reach down to grab shoots when swimming in shallow water. The swans such as the Trumpeter Swans are the largest of the swans and the least in numbers. They leave the observer with grand admiration when they see these birds for the first time. But there are still many territorial disputes between neighbours. they live on rivers, in lakes, there have also been sightings of swans swimming on the sea although they do not actually live there. How long do swans normally live? Where Do Swans Nest? Trumpeter and tundra swans are migratory species whereas mute swans are an introduced non-native species that tend to remain year-round. Noted for their graceful movements in the water, they have been the subject of many poems, fairy tales, legends, and musical compositions. Check out the "Circumpolar Distribution" to learn more. The use of the term ‘territory’ in this case is a bit of a stretch, though. But whatever feelings they may have for each other, this loyalty is a strategy for maximising the number of cygnets they can raise. Swans are larger than geese and are recognizable by their long, arched necks. Three swan species can be found in Wisconsin -- trumpeter, tundra and the non-native mute swan. 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