Cygnus olor
The Mute Swan, *Cygnus olor*, is a majestic and widely recognized waterfowl species, often synonymous with grace on tranquil waters. These imposing birds are among the largest flying birds, typically measuring 125-170 cm (49-67 inches) in length with an impressive wingspan of 200-240 cm (79-94 inches) and weighing 9-15 kg (20-33 lbs), though males can exceed 20 kg. Adults are instantly identifiable by their pristine white plumage, long S-curved neck, and most notably, a bright orange bill ado...
Primarily found in shallow, freshwater and brackish wetlands, including lakes, ponds, slow-moving rivers, canals, estuaries, and coastal lagoons. They favor areas with abundant aquatic vegetation for foraging and nesting, generally occurring at low elevations.
The diet consists predominantly of aquatic vegetation, including submerged and emergent plants, algae, and pondweed, which they obtain by dabbling and upending. They also consume a small amount of aquatic invertebrates, insects, and occasionally small fish or amphibians.
Mute Swans are largely diurnal, spending their days foraging, preening, and resting, often roosting on the water at night. They are primarily grazers and dabblers, employing their long necks to reach submerged aquatic vegetation. During the breeding season, they become highly territorial, with ma...
Native to temperate areas of Europe and Asia, the Mute Swan's natural breeding range extends from the British Isles and western Europe eastward across central Asia to southern Siberia and northern China. Partial migration occurs in the colder northern parts of its native range, with populations w...
Least Concern
- Despite their name, Mute Swans are not truly mute; they produce hisses, snorts, grunts, and a unique "snorous" whistling sound with their wings in flight. - The distinctive black knob on their orange bill, called a 'frontal shield' or 'forehead shield', is noticeably larger in males (cobs) than...