Definition

Noun: 1. A North American subspecies of the tundra swan (Cygnus columbianus columbianus) characterized by a soft, whistling vocalization. This large, migratory waterfowl is distinguished from the Eurasian subspecies (Bewick's swan) by its entirely black bill, with only a small, often indistinct yellow spot near the eye, and its namesake call.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • A large flock of whistling swans settled on the lake during their spring migration.
  • The biologist identified the bird as a whistling swan by its all-black bill and distinctive call.
  • We listened to the haunting, soft whistle of the whistling swan across the marsh.

Advanced Usage

• Taxonomic Context: In modern ornithology, the is typically classified as the North American subspecies of the . The term is often used to distinguish it from the Old World ().

Variants and Related Words

• Tundra Swan (): The species name encompassing both the (North America) and (Eurasia).
• Bewick's Swan: The Eurasian subspecies of the tundra swan, which typically has more extensive yellow on its black bill.
• Trumpeter Swan (): A different, larger North American swan species with a deep, trumpet-like call, often contrasted with the .

Synonyms

• North American Tundra Swan
• (scientific name)

Related Phrases

• "A wedge of whistling swans": A common collective term for a flying V-formation of these birds, e.g., "We saw a wedge of heading north."

Noun

1. North American subspecies of tundra swan having a soft whistling note