Mute Swan Bird Details
Cygnus olor
Mute Swan,White Swan;
Muka Hans
Johann Friedrich Gmelin, 1789
Anseriformes (DUCKS)
Anatidae
Cygnus
Appearance :
Large white bird with a long, graceful neck. Orange bill with a distinct black knob at the base of the bill. Legs are black. Juveniles, called cygnets, are greyish-brown and become white as they mature.
Behaviour :
Generally quiet compared to other swans, hence the name "Mute" Swan. Very territorial, especially during the breeding season, and can be aggressive toward intruders. Graceful swimmers, often seen gliding smoothly on water.
Habitat :
Found in freshwater lakes, rivers, and marshes. Prefers areas with abundant aquatic vegetation.
Diet :
Herbivorous, feeding primarily on aquatic plants. Occasionally eats small invertebrates, insects, and fish, though plant material makes up the bulk of their diet.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
Native to parts of Europe and Asia. Introduced in North America and New Zealand, where it has established large populations.
Population Size :
Estimated global population of around 600,000 to 620,000 individuals.
Life Span :
Typically 10-20 years in the wild, but can live up to 30 years in ideal conditions.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: A large, elegant bird with an entirely white body. The bird's structure is heavy and robust, with long, graceful necks and broad wings.
- Tarsus Length: The tarsus (lower leg) is about 10 to 12 cm long.
Head And Bill :
- Head: Rounded white head with a noticeable black knob at the base of the orange bill. The head is relatively small compared to the long neck.
- Bill: The bill is bright orange with a black base.
- Bill Length: The length of the bill is around 8 to 9 cm.
Length :
Mute swans range from 125 to 170 cm (49 to 67 inches) in total body length, including the neck.
Neck :
Extremely long and curved in an "S" shape, which is one of the most distinguishing features of the species.
Size :
A large species of swan, generally weighing between 9 to 13 kg (20 to 28 pounds.
Tail Details :
- Tail: The tail is short and usually held flat on the water or slightly lifted.
- Tail Length: Around 25 to 30 cm.
- Feathers: All white, dense, and soft, which provides the swan buoyancy and insulation in cold water. Juvenile swans (cygnets) are grayish-brown and transition to white as they mature.
Weight :
Typically 9 to 13 kg (20 to 28 pounds)
Wing :
Large and broad, with slightly rounded tips, adapted for gliding and flying over long distances.
Wing Span :
Wingspan ranges from 200 to 240 cm (79 to 94 inches).
Facial Feature :
Mute Swans are known for their bright orange bill, accented by a prominent black knob at the base. The rest of their facial features are entirely white.
Nest Details :
- Nest: Large mounds made of reeds, grasses, and other plant materials, usually built near water. They often reuse old nests.
- Nest Made Up Of: The nest is constructed from aquatic plants, reeds, grasses, and twigs. The female lines the nest with down feathers for insulation.
Breeding Season :
Mute Swans typically breed from April to June.
Nesting Season :
he nesting season begins in early spring, with swans starting to build nests in late March to early April.
Egg Color :
Pale bluish-green, which fades to white or beige over time.
Egg Length :
Approximately 113 to 125 mm.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: Around 74 to 81 mm.
- Egg Weight: Approximately 340 to 380 grams.
Clutch Size :
Typically 4 to 7 eggs, but occasionally up to 12 eggs.
No. of Broods :
One brood per year.
Incubation Period :
The incubation period lasts about 36 to 38 days.
Nestling Period :
The cygnets leave the nest within 1-2 days of hatching. They fledge at around 4 to 5 months of age.
Vocalization :
Unlike other swans, the Mute Swan is relatively quiet. It occasionally makes hissing sounds when threatened and grunts or whistles softly.
Sex Demorphism :
Males (known as cobs) are slightly larger than females (known as pens) and may have a more pronounced black knob at the base of their bill.
Migration Details :
- Migration Pattern: Partially migratory. Swans in colder regions migrate to warmer areas in winter, but populations in temperate regions may remain resident year-round.
- Migration Period: Typically migrates in late autumn (October-November) and returns to breeding grounds in early spring (March-April).
- Migration Route: Swans migrate short distances from breeding areas in northern and eastern Europe to southern and western Europe, often following rivers, lakes, and coastal routes. In milder climates, they tend to stay local.
