Two subspecies, sometimes considered separate species, have been recorded in B.C..
1) C. columbianus columbianus [Whistling Swan](North American)
2) C. columbianus bewickii [Bewickâs Swan] (Eurasian)
Bewick's Swan
[The] Eurasian subspecies..[Cygnus columbianus bewickii]...has occasionally been recorded from southern British Columbia. Observations of this form are tracked here because of their distinct morphology, Old World origins, and the possibility that full species status for this form may be resurrected in the future.
1.(1) adult; November 11, 1990-February 16, 1991; Westham Island, Delta
2.(1) adult; December 1-12, 2000; Kilby Provincial Park, Harrison River
3.(1) adult; January 2, 2002; Kilby Provincial Park, Harrison River
4.(1) adult; February 3 & 24, 2002; Abbotsford
5.(1) adult; March 30, 2002; Guichon Flats, Nicola Lake
6.(1) adult; January 12, 2003; Nicomen Island, Mission
7.(1) adult; January 15-March 25, 2006; Delta
8.(1) adult; February 9-10, 2006; Chilliwack
Note Authors: Toochin and Fenneman 2008, Fenneman 2011
