Mute Swan
Least ConcernCygnus olor
Visual Identification
Mute Swan
Appearance
The Mute Swan is a majestic waterbird with pure white plumage, a long S-shaped neck, and a distinctive orange bill with a black base and knob. Their legs are black with webbed feet.
Males (cobs) are generally larger than females (pens) and have a more prominent black knob at the base of the bill. Juveniles display greyish-brown feathers, gradually turning white over their first year.
Size
Length
140cm to 160cm
Wingspan
200cm to 240cm
Weight
7kg to 14kg
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
White
Secondary Colour
Black
Beak Colour
Orange
Leg Colour
Black
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Mute Swans inhabit a variety of freshwater habitats, including lakes, ponds, slow-moving rivers, and coastal lagoons. They are native to much of Europe and parts of Asia, and have been introduced to North America, Australia, and New Zealand.
They prefer water of 0.2 - 0.45 meters (8 to 18 inches) deep, where they can easily reach the bottom with their bill.
In the UK, they are widespread residents, while in North America, they are found primarily in the Northeast, Great Lakes region, and Pacific Northwest. Their distribution can vary seasonally, with some populations undertaking short-distance migrations.
Elevation Range
Up to 1,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
Mute Swans are primarily herbivorous, feeding on aquatic vegetation, which they reach by upending in shallow water.
They also consume small aquatic animals (mainly frogs, tadpoles and insects) and occasionally graze on land, sometimes grain in farmland when the water freezes.
In urban areas, they may supplement their diet with bread offered by humans, though this is not recommended. They also eat small dead or dying fish, although they struggle to swallow larger meals.
Behaviour
Mute Swans are known for their graceful swimming, often with wings slightly raised in a display called 'busking'. They are territorial during the breeding season, aggressively defending their nests and young.
These swans form long-term pair bonds, often engaging in synchronised swimming and head-bobbing courtship rituals.
Vocalisation
Despite their name, Mute Swans are not silent. They produce a variety of soft grunts, hisses, and snorts, particularly when threatened or during courtship.
Their most notable sound is the rhythmic throbbing hum made by their wings during flight, often described as a 'singing' sound.
Nesting & Breeding
Mute Swans typically breed from age 3 to 4, forming monogamous pairs that often last for life. The breeding season begins in spring, and courtship displays include synchronised swimming and mutual head-bobbing.
Nests are large mounds of vegetation built near water edges, often on small islands. Females lay 5-8 pale blue-green eggs, which fade to white over time.
Incubation lasts about 36 days, and the female primarily performs it while the male guards the nest. Cygnets fledge at 120-150 days but may stay with their parents through the next winter.
Lifespan
The Mute Swan typically lives for 10 to 26 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 40 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While Mute Swans are currently listed as Least Concern, they face threats from habitat loss, lead poisoning from ingested fishing weights, and collisions with power lines.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting wetland habitats and regulating lead use in fishing equipment.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Mute Swans on lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers
- Observe their distinctive S-shaped neck when swimming
- Listen for the sound of their wings during flight, as they are not truly 'mute'
- In the UK, participate in the annual Swan Upping event on the River Thames to see swan counting and marking
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
White Swan
Family:
AnatidaePredators
Did You Know?
- Mute Swans can live up to 30 years in the wild, one of the longest lifespans among wild birds. There are anecdotal reports of captive Mute Swans living for 70 years in captivity.
- They are one of the heaviest flying birds, with some males weighing up to 14 kg.
- In the UK, all unmarked mute swans in open water are traditionally considered property of the Crown.
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FAQs
Are Mute Swans still invasive?
Mute Swans are invasive in the United States, where they are non-native. They are considered harmful to natural environments and a nuisance for people in many areas, and their population continues to grow.
Can you keep a Mute Swan as a pet?
Mute Swans can be kept as pets on private American properties with substantial ponds. However, owning such a large bird is a serious long-term commitment, and all steps should be taken to stay within the lawn and prevent these birds from escaping into wild waterways.
Keeping Mute Swans is illegal in some states, so check in with authorities before purchasing these birds. You may not keep a pet swan in the United Kingdom.
How did the Mute Swan get to America?
Mute Swans were brought to America from Europe. These undeniably beautiful waterfowl were introduced to ponds in parks and estates as an ornamental attraction, an activity still practised today on private properties.
How do Mute Swans affect the environment?
Mute Swans are large birds with a serious appetite. They are part of the natural ecosystem in the United Kingdom and Europe, but these newcomers cause damage in the United States. There, they outcompete native waterfowl and alter small wetlands by overgrazing the aquatic vegetation and kicking up sediments in the water column.
Similar Birds
References
- 2
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Cygnus olor. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22679839A85946855.
View source - 3 4
report, 2015: Wetlands International
- 1
website: Worlds Oldest Swan Found Dead In Denmark
View source