Species Profile

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

Mute Swan

Quick Facts

Conservation

LCLeast Concern

Lifespan

10–26 years^[4]

Length

140–160 cm

Weight

7000–14000 g

Wingspan

200–240 cm

Migration

Partial migrant

One of the world’s heaviest flying birds, and one of the most beautiful too, the Mute Swan is a majestic waterfowl with a mean reputation.

Also known as: White Swan

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Appearance

The Mute Swan is a majestic waterbird with pure white plumage, a long S-shaped neck, and a distinctive orange bill with a black base and knob. Their legs are black with webbed feet.

Males (cobs) are generally larger than females (pens) and have a more prominent black knob at the base of the bill. Juveniles display greyish-brown feathers, gradually turning white over their first year.

Identification & Characteristics

Colors

Primary: White
Secondary: Black
Beak: Orange
Legs: Black

Attributes

Agility75/100

Strength85/100

Adaptability70/100

Aggression80/100

Endurance90/100

Understanding Attributes

Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Habitat & Distribution

Mute Swans inhabit a variety of freshwater habitats, including lakes, ponds, slow-moving rivers, and coastal lagoons. They are native to much of Europe and parts of Asia, and have been introduced to North America, Australia, and New Zealand.

They prefer water of 0.2 - 0.45 meters (8 to 18 inches) deep, where they can easily reach the bottom with their bill.

In the UK, they are widespread residents, while in North America, they are found primarily in the Northeast, Great Lakes region, and Pacific Northwest. Their distribution can vary seasonally, with some populations undertaking short-distance migrations.

Distribution

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Where to See This Bird

Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.

United Kingdom

England

Northern Ireland

Scotland

Wales

Rutland

Cambridgeshire

Bedfordshire

Buckinghamshire

Berkshire

Bristol

Cheshire

Cumbria

Cornwall

Derbyshire

Devon

Dorset

Durham

East Riding of Yorkshire

Essex

East Sussex

Gloucestershire

Hampshire

Herefordshire

Hertfordshire

Isle of Wight

Kent

London

Merseyside

Lancashire

Leicestershire

Lincolnshire

Manchester

Northumberland

Norfolk

Northamptonshire

Nottinghamshire

North Yorkshire

Oxfordshire

South Yorkshire

Tyne and Wear

West Midlands

Suffolk

Shropshire

Somerset

Surrey

Staffordshire

Stockton-on-Tees

Warwickshire

Wiltshire

West Yorkshire

Worcestershire

West Sussex

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Diet

Mute Swans are primarily herbivorous, feeding on aquatic vegetation, which they reach by upending in shallow water.

They also consume small aquatic animals (mainly frogs, tadpoles and insects) and occasionally graze on land, sometimes grain in farmland when the water freezes.

In urban areas, they may supplement their diet with bread offered by humans, though this is not recommended. They also eat small dead or dying fish, although they struggle to swallow larger meals.

Behaviour

Mute Swans are known for their graceful swimming, often with wings slightly raised in a display called 'busking'. They are territorial during the breeding season, aggressively defending their nests and young.

These swans form long-term pair bonds, often engaging in synchronised swimming and head-bobbing courtship rituals.

Calls & Sounds

Despite their name, Mute Swans are not silent. They produce a variety of soft grunts, hisses, and snorts, particularly when threatened or during courtship.

Their most notable sound is the rhythmic throbbing hum made by their wings during flight, often described as a 'singing' sound.

Nesting & Breeding

Mute Swans typically breed from age 3 to 4, forming monogamous pairs that often last for life. The breeding season begins in spring, and courtship displays include synchronised swimming and mutual head-bobbing.

Nests are large mounds of vegetation built near water edges, often on small islands. Females lay 5-8 pale blue-green eggs, which fade to white over time.

Incubation lasts about 36 days, and the female primarily performs it while the male guards the nest. Cygnets fledge at 120-150 days but may stay with their parents through the next winter.

Conservation

While Mute Swans are currently listed as Least Concern, they face threats from habitat loss, lead poisoning from ingested fishing weights, and collisions with power lines.

Conservation efforts focus on protecting wetland habitats and regulating lead use in fishing equipment.

LCLeast Concern

^[1]

Population

Estimated: 598,000 - 615,000 individuals^[3]

Trend: Increasing^[2]

Elevation

Up to 1,000 meters

Additional Details

Predators:: Adult Mute Swans have few natural predators, but eggs and cygnets may fall prey to foxes, large birds of prey, and pike.

Birdwatching Tips

Look for Mute Swans on lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers
Observe their distinctive S-shaped neck when swimming
Listen for the sound of their wings during flight, as they are not truly 'mute'
In the UK, participate in the annual Swan Upping event on the River Thames to see swan counting and marking

Did You Know?

Mute Swans can live up to 30 years in the wild, one of the longest lifespans among wild birds. There are anecdotal reports of captive Mute Swans living for 70 years in captivity.
They are one of the heaviest flying birds, with some males weighing up to 14 kg.
In the UK, all unmarked mute swans in open water are traditionally considered property of the Crown.