Whooper Swan Bird Details
Cygnus cygnus
Whooper Swan,Common Swan, Eurasian Swan;
NA
Carl Linnaeus, 1758
Anseriformes (DUCKS)
Anatidae
Cygnus
- Found across Europe, Asia (India), and parts of North America during migration.
- Breeds in northern regions such as Iceland, Scandinavia, and Siberia.
Appearance :
Large swan with predominantly white plumage. Notable for its long neck and striking yellow and black bill. Juvenile swans are brownish and gradually turn white as they mature.
Behaviour :
Social birds often seen in pairs or family groups. They have a strong territorial instinct during the breeding season. Known for their loud, trumpeting calls, which give rise to their common name.
Habitat :
Breeds in wetlands, lakes, and rivers in the Arctic and subarctic regions. Winters in more temperate areas, often near open water bodies.
Diet :
Primarily herbivorous, feeding on aquatic plants, tubers, and grasses. They may also eat small invertebrates and insects, especially during the breeding season.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
Breeds across parts of Europe and Asia, particularly in countries like Iceland, Finland, Sweden, and Russia. Winters in milder regions of Europe and East Asia.
Population Size :
Estimated population size is around 100,000 individuals.
Life Span :
Typically lives around 10 to 20 years in the wild.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: A large, elegant bird with a long neck and rounded body, primarily covered in white feathers.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 10 to 12 cm.
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is proportionally small with a prominent yellow patch on the bill.
- Bill: The bill is black with a bright yellow area;
- Bill Length: It is about 8 to 10 cm long.
Length :
Length ranges from 125 to 165 cm (49 to 65 inches).
Neck :
Extremely long and graceful, often held in a straight position.
Size :
Large-sized swan, with males generally being larger than females.
Tail Details :
- Tail: Short and rounded, typically held flat.
- Tail Length: Approximately 15 to 20 cm.
- Feathers: Dense and waterproof, providing insulation.
Weight :
Typically weighs between 8 to 12 kg (18 to 26 pounds).
Wing :
Broad and strong wings, designed for powerful flight.
Wing Span :
Wingspan ranges from 205 to 240 cm (81 to 94 inches).
Facial Feature :
The Whooper Swan has a relatively small head with a long neck.
Nest Details :
- Nest: Nests are built close to water bodies in wetlands, marshes, or along riverbanks.
- Nest Made Up Of: Constructed from various materials, including reeds, grasses, and down feathers, providing insulation and protection.
Breeding Season :
Breeding typically occurs from late April to June.
Nesting Season :
The nesting season generally begins as the ice melts and wetlands become accessible in late spring.
Egg Color :
The eggs are usually pale blue to greenish in color.
Egg Length :
Approximately 10 to 13 cm (3.9 to 5.1 inches).
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: Around 6 to 8 cm (2.4 to 3.1 inches).
- Egg Weight: About 250 to 400 grams per egg.
Clutch Size :
Typically consists of 4 to 6 eggs, but can range from 2 to 8.
No. of Broods :
Generally, one brood per year.
Incubation Period :
The incubation period lasts about 30 to 36 days.
Nestling Period :
Cygnets are precocial and typically leave the nest within a day or two after hatching. They stay with their parents for about 4 to 5 months, relying on them for food and protection.
Vocalization :
Known for their loud, trumpeting calls, which can be heard over long distances.
Sex Demorphism :
Males (cobs) are generally larger than females (pens), but both sexes appear very similar.
Migration Details :
- Migration Pattern: Whooper Swans are migratory birds, traveling long distances between their breeding and wintering grounds.
- Migration Period: Migration usually occurs from late September to November for southward movement, and from late March to early May for returning to breeding grounds.
- Migration Route: Breeds in northern regions of Europe and Asia, migrating to milder coastal areas during winter. Common migration routes include the eastern and western flyways of Europe and parts of Asia.
