A large white swan with orange bill and prominent black knob. Introduced to North America in the 1800s as ornamentals. Now considered invasive in many states.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
The mute swan is a species of swan and a member of the family Anatidae within the waterfowl order. It is native to much of Europe and parts of Asia and the far north of Africa. It is an introduced species in North America, home to the largest populations outside of its native range, with additional smaller introductions in Australasia and Southern Africa. The name "mute" derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. Typically measuring 140 to 160 cm in length, this large swan is wholly white in plumage, with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob atop the beak, which is larger in males.
Source: Wikipedia — Mute swan Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Huge all-white swan with an orange bill and a black basal knob (larger in males); usually swims with neck curved and wings slightly raised.
Similar species. Tundra and Trumpeter swans have black bills and hold the neck straight; the orange bill and black knob are diagnostic for Mute.
Voice. Largely silent (hence 'mute'); hisses, grunts, and makes a loud throbbing with the wings in flight.
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. Aquatic plants, grasses, grain.
Behavior. A large introduced Eurasian swan now established in parts of North America; aggressive on territory and can displace native waterfowl. Holds its neck in a graceful S-curve.
§ Range
Introduced from Europe; now established widely
§ Habitat
Lakes, ponds, slow-moving rivers
§ Threats
In North America: they're the threat — outcompete native trumpeter swans, displace ducks, degrade aquatic vegetation.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the mute swan is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
In US: support population control programs. Don't feed at park lakes. Report wild populations to wildlife agencies.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Mute swan
- www.allaboutbirds.org — authoritative profile of Cygnus olor
- IUCN Red List — search for Cygnus olor
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Cygnus olor
§ Sources cited
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology — All About Birds
- National Audubon Society
- iNaturalist
- IUCN Red List
