Bewick’s Swan Bird Information
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
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 |