Whooper Swan Bird Facts (Cygnus cygnus)

Visual Identification

Appearance

The Whooper Swan is a majestic, large waterfowl with pure white plumage and distinctive yellow and black bill. Adults typically measure 140-165 cm in length, with a wingspan of 205-275 cm, making them one of the largest flying birds in the Northern Hemisphere.

Both sexes share identical plumage, but females are slightly smaller than males. Juveniles have greyish-brown plumage, gradually turning white as they mature.

The bill pattern, with its extensive yellow area reaching the tip, distinguishes Whooper Swans from other swan species. Their legs and webbed feet are black.

Size

Length

140cm to 165cm

Wingspan

205cm to 275cm

Weight

7.4kg to 14kg

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

White

Beak Colour

Yellow Black

Leg Colour

Black

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Whooper Swan is not typically found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Whooper Swan is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Whooper Swan can be found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Whooper Swan can be found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Whooper Swan is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Whooper Swan is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Whooper Swan can be found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Whooper Swan is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Whooper Swan can be found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Whooper Swan is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Whooper Swan is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Whooper Swan is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

Whooper Swans breed in the subarctic regions of Europe and Asia, including Iceland, northern Scandinavia, and Siberia. They prefer shallow lakes, marshes, and slow-flowing rivers in tundra and taiga habitats.

During winter, they migrate to temperate regions, including coastal areas and wetlands in the UK, Ireland, and parts of continental Europe. Some populations also winter in East Asia, including Japan and eastern China.

Elevation Range

Sea level to 2,300 meters

Climate zones

Subarctic, Temperate, Continental

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Whooper Swan. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
How birds move around during different seasons

Resident

Breeding

Non-breeding

Vagrant

Distribution by Region

Species that can be found in the area throughout the year

Azerbaijan Belgium Bosnia and Herzegovina China Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Iceland India Ireland Japan Latvia Lithuania Moldova Nepal North Korea Norway Pakistan Poland Romania Russia South Korea Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands Sweden Taiwan Tajikistan The United Kingdom Ukraine Uzbekistan

Species that are present in the area during their breeding season

Belarus Kazakhstan Mongolia Russia Turkmenistan United States of America

Species that are present in the area outside their breeding season

Afghanistan Albania Armenia Austria Bulgaria Croatia Czech Republic Faroe Islands Greece Greenland Iran Iraq Italy Kyrgyzstan Macedonia Montenegro Netherlands Serbia Slovakia Slovenia Spain Switzerland Turkey

Species that appear infrequently (rare) and unpredictably outside their normal range

Algeria Cyprus Egypt Hungary Israel Liechtenstein Luxembourg Portugal Qatar Syria Tunisia United Arab Emirates

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

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Bird Attributes Explained

Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.

Attribute Categories:

Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Understanding the Ratings:

0-20: Very Low
21-40: Low
41-60: Average
61-80: High
81-100: Very High

Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 75

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

The Whooper Swan demonstrates considerable agility for its size. It's a strong flyer capable of long-distance migrations at high altitudes, and shows grace in swimming and foraging behaviours. However, its large size does limit manoeuvrability compared to smaller birds.

Strength 85

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

As one of the largest flying birds in the Northern Hemisphere, the Whooper Swan possesses significant strength. Its ability to break ice with its feet and carry its substantial body weight during long flights indicates impressive muscular power.

Adaptability 80

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

Whooper Swans show notable adaptability. They can thrive in various habitats from sea level to 2,300 metres elevation, adjust their diet seasonally, and cope with different climates during migration. Their ability to utilise agricultural fields also demonstrates adaptability to human-altered landscapes.

Aggressiveness 60

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

While not typically aggressive, Whooper Swans can display territorial behaviour during breeding season. Their large size and strong familial bonds suggest they would defend their young if threatened. However, they are generally social birds, often seen in large flocks.

Endurance 90

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

The Whooper Swan exhibits exceptional endurance. Its ability to undertake long-distance migrations, flying at altitudes up to 8,000 metres, demonstrates remarkable stamina. Additionally, their capacity to survive in harsh subarctic breeding grounds and winter in various climates further attests to their endurance.

Diet

Whooper Swans are primarily herbivorous, feeding on aquatic vegetation, grasses, and crops. They use their long necks to reach submerged plants and often graze on land. In winter, they may supplement their diet with leftover grains in agricultural fields.

Behaviour

Whooper Swans are highly social birds, often seen in large flocks during migration and winter. They are strong fliers capable of long-distance flights at high altitudes.

These swans are known for their graceful swimming and upending behaviour while foraging in shallow waters.

Vocalisation

Whooper Swans are known for their loud, trumpeting calls, often described as a deep 'hoop' or 'whoop-whoop'. The sound can resemble an old-fashioned car air horn.

These vocalisations are frequently heard during flight and in social interactions. The calls are more resonant and lower-pitched compared to other swan species, contributing to their common name.

Nesting & Breeding

Whooper Swans form monogamous pairs that often mate for life. Breeding occurs in the summer months, typically from May to July. They construct large nests of vegetation near water, often on small islands or shorelines.

Females lay 4-7 creamy white eggs, which both parents incubate for about 35 days. The cygnets are precocial, able to swim and feed themselves shortly after hatching, but remain with their parents for protection.

Young swans fledge after about 87 days but often stay with their parents through the first winter and migration, forming strong family bonds.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern ^[1]

While currently listed as Least Concern, Whooper Swans face threats from habitat loss, particularly in their breeding grounds. Climate change may affect their migration patterns and breeding success.

Conservation efforts focus on protecting wetland habitats and monitoring population trends.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

180,000 - 220,000 mature individuals ^[2]

Global Population Trend

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

Birdwatching Tips

Look for Whooper Swans in large, open wetlands and coastal areas during winter
Listen for their loud, trumpeting calls, which are often heard before the birds are seen
Observe their distinctive yellow and black bill pattern to differentiate them from other swan species
In the UK, visit nature reserves in Scotland and eastern England (East Anglia) during winter months for the best viewing opportunities

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Wild Swan

Family:

Anatidae

Average Lifespan

9 years

Max Lifespan

26.7 years ^[3]

Predators

Adult Whooper Swans have few natural predators due to their size, but eggs and cygnets may fall prey to foxes, large gulls, and birds of prey.

Did You Know?

Whooper Swans can fly at altitudes of up to 8,000 meters during migration.
Whoopers undertake the longest sea crossing of any swan, between 500 to 900 miles each way annually.
They have been known to break ice with their feet to access feeding areas in frozen lakes.
Whooper Swans feature prominently in various Northern European and Asian folklore and mythologies.
The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland and features on the Finnish one Euro coin.