Mute Swan
Species Information
Yerpo [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], from Wikimedia Commons
Statistics
Scientific name: Cygnus olor
Length:Â 1.5m
Wingspan:Â 2.2m
Weight:Â 9-11.5kg
Average lifespan:Â 10 yearsÂ
Conservation status
Classified in the UK as Amber under the Birds of Conservation Concern 4: the Red List for Birds (2015).
When to see
January to December
About
The mute swan is one of the most familiar birds in the UK with its long, curved neck and graceful white form a regular sight on our rivers and waterbodies. Mute swans feed on plants, particularly waterweed. They usually mate for life, but some will have numerous partners.
How to identify
The only common swan in many places, the mute swan is easily recognised by its all-white body and its reddish-orange bill that has a large black ‘knob’ at the base.
Did you know ?
A female swan is known as a ‘pen’ and a male is a ‘cob’. Both males and females are involved in parenting; the cob will guard the nest while the pen leaves to feed, but will not incubate the eggs. Both parents are devoted to the cygnets, which, with their downy, brown fluff and short necks, do indeed look like the ‘ugly duckling’ of the rhyme! They soon grow into their adult plumage, however.
How you can help?
Did you know you can help wildlife in your local river ? You can do this in many ways from reporting pollution to SEPA, by not flushing wet wipes down the toilet and even at one of our many conservation volunteer days. Check out our Get Involved page for more information on how you can get involved with your local river.