Bewick’s Swan Bird Information

Bewicks-Swan-bird-information-facts

Bewick’s Swan is the smallest bird of the three swans; size most apparent in flight when faster wing beats and noisy calls resemble goose. The black bill has a truncated yellow area at the base. Bewick’s Swan has a rounded crown with a concave forehead and bill profile. Neck often held straight. Usually gregarious, forming large flocks at suitable feeding grounds; grazes in goose-like fashion.

Status: The bird is a localized winter visitor from Siberia to traditional feeding grounds, such as Ouse Washes and Slimbridge; most numerous in southern England. Late winter influxes due to hard weather in Germany and Holland.

Similar Species: Whooper Swan is much larger, has pointed yellow area on the bill and flat crown and bill profile.

Bewick’s Swan Bird Facts

Type goose-like
Size 116-128 cm (45-50 in)
Habitat freshwater, estuaries, fields
Flocking gregarious, 1-several hundred
Flight labored; direct
Behavior swims, up-ends, walks, takes off and lands on water or ground
Voice goose-like honking flight call

Bird Identification

Bird-identification-bewick's-swan

Adult
Crown white
Upperparts white
Rump white
Tail white; short and square
Throat white
Breast white
Belly white
Bill black with yellow base; duck-like
Legs black; short
Juvenile brownish grey, pinking bill

Nesting and Breeding

Nest a huge mound of vegetation
Eggs 4; creamy white
Incubation 29-30 days
Young active; downy
Fledging 40-45 days
Broods 1; June-July
Food grass, grain, roots
Population 16,000+ winter