Mute Swan bird information
Mute swan bird is a huge, familiar white waterbird found on all types of freshwater; also occurs on estuaries and occasionally the sea. Adult completely white with legs black; bill orange with a large black knob at the base. Juvenile mute swan bird has grey-buff with a grey bill. These birds can Swim easily and walk with a rolling gait. At all times holds the neck in gentle ‘S’ shape. Flies with noisy wingbeats after laborious pattering take-off over water.
Status: These birds are widespread and numerous residents throughout lowland Britain; gathers in substantial flocks outside the breeding season. Sometimes nests in colonies.
Similar Species: Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan are winter visitors that often join Mute Swan flocks. Both have black and yellow bills and noisy calls in flight.
Mute Swan bird’s facts
Type | goose-like |
Size | 145-160 cm (63 in) |
Habitat | freshwater, estuaries, fields |
Behavior | swims, up-ends, walks, takes off and lands on water |
Flocking | 1-30, exceptionally several hundred |
Flight | labored; direct |
Voice | various hisses and grunts of aggression during the breeding season; silent in flight |
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 |
Breeding and Nesting
Nest | 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 |