Birds
Mute Swan
Cygnus olor
Least ConcernFast Facts
Lifespan10–12 years in the wild
HabitatWetlands
DietHerbivore — aquatic vegetation, with some small invertebrates
ActivityDiurnal
Size1.4–1.6 m long, 2.0–2.4 m wingspan
Weight9–12 kg
About
The mute swan is among the heaviest of all flying birds, instantly recognised by its pure white plumage, orange bill with a black knob, and the elegant S-curve of its neck. A familiar sight on rivers, lakes and park ponds, it glides with serene grace.
Despite its name it is not silent, producing hisses, grunts and a distinctive throbbing of the wings in flight.
Behaviour
Mute swans form strong, long-lasting pair bonds and fiercely defend their nest and cygnets, threatening intruders with arched wings and loud hissing. Both parents care for the young, who may ride on the adults' backs when small.
They feed by up-ending in shallow water to reach submerged plants.
Did you know?
- In Britain, all unmarked mute swans on open water are traditionally owned by the Crown
- A single wing of a swan is reputedly strong enough to break a person's arm
- Cygnets are grey-brown and only acquire white plumage in their second year
- Pairs usually mate for life and return to the same nesting site each year
Distribution
Europe and temperate Asia; introduced to North America and elsewhere
