Species Profile

Whooper Swan

Cygnus cygnus

Quick Facts

Conservation

LCLeast Concern

Lifespan

9 years^[3]

Length

140–165 cm

Weight

7400–14000 g

Wingspan

205–275 cm

Migration

Long-distance Migrant

A graceful giant of northern wetlands, this iconic swan's distinctive trumpeting call echoes across vast Arctic tundra and icy lakes.

Also known as: Wild Swan

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Gallery

Appearance

The Whooper Swan is a majestic, large waterfowl with pure white plumage and distinctive yellow and black bill. Adults typically measure 140-165 cm in length, with a wingspan of 205-275 cm, making them one of the largest flying birds in the Northern Hemisphere.

Both sexes share identical plumage, but females are slightly smaller than males. Juveniles have greyish-brown plumage, gradually turning white as they mature.

The bill pattern, with its extensive yellow area reaching the tip, distinguishes Whooper Swans from other swan species. Their legs and webbed feet are black.

Identification & Characteristics

Colors

Primary: White
Beak: Yellow
Legs: Black

Attributes

Agility75/100

Strength85/100

Adaptability80/100

Aggression60/100

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

Whooper Swans breed in the subarctic regions of Europe and Asia, including Iceland, northern Scandinavia, and Siberia. They prefer shallow lakes, marshes, and slow-flowing rivers in tundra and taiga habitats.

During winter, they migrate to temperate regions, including coastal areas and wetlands in the UK, Ireland, and parts of continental Europe. Some populations also winter in East Asia, including Japan and eastern China.

Distribution

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Where to See This Bird

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

Scotland

ResidentJan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec

Cambridgeshire

ResidentYear-round

East Riding of Yorkshire

ResidentJan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov, Dec

Lancashire

ResidentYear-round

Lincolnshire

ResidentYear-round

Northumberland

ResidentYear-round

North Yorkshire

ResidentJan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov, Dec

South Yorkshire

Non-breedingJan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec

Suffolk

Non-breedingJan, Feb, Mar, Oct, Nov, Dec

Stockton-on-Tees

Non-breedingJan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec

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Diet

Whooper Swans are primarily herbivorous, feeding on aquatic vegetation, grasses, and crops. They use their long necks to reach submerged plants and often graze on land. In winter, they may supplement their diet with leftover grains in agricultural fields.

Behaviour

Whooper Swans are highly social birds, often seen in large flocks during migration and winter. They are strong fliers capable of long-distance flights at high altitudes.

These swans are known for their graceful swimming and upending behaviour while foraging in shallow waters.

Calls & Sounds

Whooper Swans are known for their loud, trumpeting calls, often described as a deep 'hoop' or 'whoop-whoop'. The sound can resemble an old-fashioned car air horn.

These vocalisations are frequently heard during flight and in social interactions. The calls are more resonant and lower-pitched compared to other swan species, contributing to their common name.

Nesting & Breeding

Whooper Swans form monogamous pairs that often mate for life. Breeding occurs in the summer months, typically from May to July. They construct large nests of vegetation near water, often on small islands or shorelines.

Females lay 4-7 creamy white eggs, which both parents incubate for about 35 days. The cygnets are precocial, able to swim and feed themselves shortly after hatching, but remain with their parents for protection.

Young swans fledge after about 87 days but often stay with their parents through the first winter and migration, forming strong family bonds.

Conservation

While currently listed as Least Concern, Whooper Swans face threats from habitat loss, particularly in their breeding grounds. Climate change may affect their migration patterns and breeding success.

Conservation efforts focus on protecting wetland habitats and monitoring population trends.

LCLeast Concern

^[1]

Population

Estimated: 180,000 - 220,000 mature individuals^[2]

Trend: Unknown

Elevation

Sea level to 2,300 meters

Additional Details

Predators:: Adult Whooper Swans have few natural predators due to their size, but eggs and cygnets may fall prey to foxes, large gulls, and birds of prey.

Birdwatching Tips

Look for Whooper Swans in large, open wetlands and coastal areas during winter
Listen for their loud, trumpeting calls, which are often heard before the birds are seen
Observe their distinctive yellow and black bill pattern to differentiate them from other swan species
In the UK, visit nature reserves in Scotland and eastern England (East Anglia) during winter months for the best viewing opportunities

Did You Know?

Whooper Swans can fly at altitudes of up to 8,000 meters during migration.
Whoopers undertake the longest sea crossing of any swan, between 500 to 900 miles each way annually.
They have been known to break ice with their feet to access feeding areas in frozen lakes.
Whooper Swans feature prominently in various Northern European and Asian folklore and mythologies.
The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland and features on the Finnish one Euro coin.