Do Tundra Swans Migrate to Mexico?
Yes—Mexico Is a Key Wintering Ground
Tundra Swans (*Cygnus columbianus*)** breed in the High Arctic (Alaska, Canada, Russia). Come autumn, they migrate thousands of miles south.
Mexican Wintering Sites
- Coastal lagoons & estuaries (Pacific & Gulf coasts)
- Inland wetlands (e.g., Lerma Marshes, Central Plateau)
- Agricultural fields (gleaning waste grain)
Migration Timeline
- Depart Arctic: Late summer / early fall
- Arrive Mexico: October–November
- Depart Mexico: February–March (return to breeding grounds)
Some also winter in the U.S. Southeast (Chesapeake, Gulf Coast) and Caribbean. The migration showcases remarkable endurance and navigation.