The tundra swan (Cygnus columbianus), named for breeding in the Arctic tundra region, is a large, white swan known for its distinctive call and long-distance migrations. It can fly as high up as 9,000 feet and as fast as 50 miles per hour. In North America, the species was also known as the Whistling Swan because of the whistling sound made by its powerful wings beating in flight, a name coined by explorer Meriwether Lewis. The scientific name, Cygnus columbianus, relates to the Columbia River, where this type of swan was first described. Bewick's Swan is the common name for the Eurasian population of the Tundra Swan. The plumage of adult Tundra Swans is white, while the bill, tarsi, and feet are black. The bill of most Tundra Swans has yellow lores that varies in amount. See also: Bewick swan
