Name/Title
Trumpeter? Swan (Cygnus buccinator)Entry/Object ID
2001.01.19Description
Taxidermy - Full specimen mount of bird
This bird, the Trumpeter? Swan (Cygnus buccinator), is a species of Swan found in North America. The heaviest living bird native to the continent, it is also the largest extant species of waterfowl, weighing up to 15 kg with a wingspan of up to 2.5 m. Threatened by extinction in the 1930s, the wild population has gradually been restored and is considered a success story for conservationists. Most southern populations are non-migratory while northern Trumpeters move south in late fall as waters begin to freeze. Trumpeter Swans often mate for life.Context
The early members of the Union Club of British Columbia enjoyed the scenic splendours and the many opportunities for sports fishing and big game hunting across the province. Over time, the Club became noted for its outstanding collection of mounted taxidermy items. Of note, in 1910 the Club loaned its collection to the Dominion Government for international exhibition in Vienna (details unknown).
It appears that the mounted Wolf Eel (2001.01.100) may be the only survivor of the original early 20th century collection. For further detail - see Susan Mayse, "The Union Club of British Columbia - Our First 125 Years" (Victoria, B.C.: The Union Club of British Columbia, 2004):59, and Paul L. Bissley, "Early and Late Victorians: A History of the Union Club of British Columbia" (Sidney, B.C.: Review Printing and Publishing Co. Ltd., 1969). Both publications are available in the UCBC Library.Made/Created
Artist Information
Artist
UnknownRole
TaxidermistDate made
n.d.Time Period
20th CenturyNotes
Stuffed and posed right-facing seated Swan in marshbed setting with dried grasses.
Original case is missing as was noted in 2001 appraisal.Dimensions
Dimension Description
Original caseHeight
86.4 cmWidth
91.4 cmAcquisition
Acquisition Method
Legacy collection - detail unknown