Rare Trumpeter Swan Spotted in NYC for First Time

The majestic bird has been seen hanging out with fellow waterfowl in Brooklyn

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Bird watchers in New York City have spotted a rare trumpeter swan, the first ever recorded sighting of the species in the city. The large, all-white swan with a distinctive black bill has been observed swimming in the East River off Williamsburg and in Prospect Park, often alongside a local mute swan. Experts believe the trumpeter swan, likely an adolescent, has wandered from its typical breeding grounds in Canada or the northwestern U.S.

Why it matters

Trumpeter swans are the largest native waterfowl in North America, with a wingspan over 6 feet and weighing over 25 pounds. Their appearance in New York City is an extremely rare event, as the species has never before been documented in the area. The swan's presence has generated excitement among local bird enthusiasts and raised questions about how the bird ended up in the city.

The details

Multiple Brooklyn residents have reported sightings of the trumpeter swan in recent weeks, with the bird spotted swimming in the East River off Williamsburg and in Prospect Park. The swan has been observed interacting with a local mute swan, leading some to speculate the two may be mating. However, experts say this is unlikely, as the trumpeter swan is likely just an adolescent exploring a new area and mistook the mute swan for a fellow trumpeter.

  • The trumpeter swan was first spotted in Brooklyn in early March 2026.

The players

Trumpeter Swan

The trumpeter swan is the largest native waterfowl in North America, with a wingspan over 6 feet and weighing over 25 pounds. It is known for its distinctive all-black bill and trumpet-like call.

Mute Swan

A common swan species found in the New York City area, the mute swan is known for its orange and black bill with a prominent knob.

Margaret Smith

The executive director of the Trumpeter Swan Society, an organization that tracks sightings of the rare bird.

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What they’re saying

“I can confirm it is a trumpeter swan. It is a very rare sighting. I've never received any reports of trumpeter swans in New York City, and so it was pretty exciting, actually, to get those reports.”

— Margaret Smith, Executive Director, Trumpeter Swan Society (Hell Gate)

“My guess is that the young swan was exploring the area and probably saw the mute swan — saw a big white bird — and probably thought, 'It's a fellow swan.' Trumpeter swans are social creatures.”

— Margaret Smith, Executive Director, Trumpeter Swan Society (Hell Gate)

What’s next

Experts will continue to monitor the trumpeter swan's presence in New York City and work to understand how the rare bird ended up in the area.

The takeaway

The appearance of a trumpeter swan, a species never before documented in New York City, has generated excitement among local bird enthusiasts and raised questions about the swan's origins and behavior. This rare sighting highlights the diversity of wildlife that can be found even in urban environments.