Tundra swans, known for their large size and impressive wingspan, are currently making their way to Alaska to breed. Biologist Craig Ely, along with a team of scientists, studied the migratory patterns of these birds and found that there are two distinct populations of tundra swans breeding in Alaska.
The East Coast swans, which summer north of the Brooks Range, migrate to Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina for the winter. Meanwhile, the West Coast swans, breeding south of the Brooks Range in western Alaska, head to Washington, Oregon, and California during the winter months.
Despite the different wintering locations, both populations of tundra swans spend more time migrating than they do breeding or wintering. They are known for their site fidelity and rarely stray far from their usual paths.
Ely and his team discovered that the East Coast wintering swans that summer on the Colville River may be following an ancient ice-free corridor that existed during the last Ice Age. Despite the long migratory paths they take, all populations of tundra swans are thriving and adapting well to different environments.
The research conducted by Ely sheds light on the unique migration strategies of tundra swans and their ability to survive and thrive in various climates. These findings highlight the resilience and adaptability of these fascinating birds.
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