The current swans are still unnamed, partly because the sex of all four has yet to be determined. However, Fournier said there is at least one female and one male among them and, possibly two of each sex, raising the possibility of a breeding program on campus. He said a contest may be held to come up with names. Considered an endangered species until recently, when full grown, the swans will weigh about 30 or so pounds. Besides their snowy-white plumage and elegant, long necks, trumpeter swans have jet black bills and feet.
Trumpeters are the largest waterfowl in North America and the largest swans in the world.
They have a deep, sonorous call, and mate for life at about three years of age. Their world population is about 20,000. He also said they should prove easier to care for than Sydney, who was a chore to catch and shelter during the winter. Except for unusually cold or severe conditions, the trumpeter swans will be able to spend winters on the pond. Basically, these are low-maintenance birds.