Tundra Swan
Photo and Commentary ©2026 by Robert Howson
Tuesday, January 20, 2026

There are two species of swan shown here which are native to North America, the Trumpeter Swan and the Tundra Swan.  Even though the second species is the most widespread, it is outnumbered in this picture.

So, of the eight swans pictured, can you pick out the single Tundra?  It is the fourth from the right and can be distinguished from the Trumpeter by its smaller size and the yellow spot at the base of its bill.  The bill shape is also a mark which can be used to separate the two.

Formerly, it was known as the Whistling Swan, a name given by Lewis and Clark, and was awarded the Latin name Olor columbianus with the species name reflecting the Columbia River where it was initially discovered. This was the first known written description of the species, which seems very strange to me, for the bird also winters along both coasts and a subspecies can also be found in both Europe and Asia. A bird this size could hardly be overlooked, even by the most casual observer. I’ve not been able to find any place that explains this irregularity.

Then again, that’s not the first time such a thing has happened. Paul makes a special point about this in 2 Corinthians 4:4. “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (NIV) Even for Christians who are very familiar with the Bible, even they can miss the glorious Good News that it is Christ’s righteousness that saves us! According to Paul, it is Satan who has blinded the eyes. That spiritual reality makes sense, but why this white swan was missed, I have no idea.