Bird 🦢
🦢
Cygnus olor
| Size | 140–160 cm UK's largest bird — longer than a dining table |
|---|---|
| Weight | 7.4–14.3 kg About the weight of a large suitcase |
| Lifespan | 10 years (up to 26) |
| Rarity | Common |
| M vs F | Males (cobs) have a larger black knob at the base of the orange bill; females (pens) have a smaller knob |
| Habitat | Lakes, rivers, canals, estuaries, coastal lagoons |
| Best time | Year-round |
| Conservation | UK: Amber LC |
Did you know?
All Mute Swans in England were once the property of the Crown — an ancient law still partially applies today, and the annual 'Swan Upping' census on the Thames counts birds owned by the Crown and two livery companies
All Mute Swans in England were once the property of the Crown — an ancient law still partially applies today, and the annual 'Swan Upping' census on the Thames counts birds owned by the Crown and two livery companies
More for experts
Despite the name, Mute Swans are not silent — they hiss, grunt and make a loud trumpeting call. Their wings produce a distinctive throbbing sound in flight audible from over 1 km away
Often confused with
Whooper Swan (yellow bill, no knob, loud bugling call — winter visitor), Bewick's Swan (smaller, rounded bill pattern)
Whooper Swan (yellow bill, no knob, loud bugling call — winter visitor), Bewick's Swan (smaller, rounded bill pattern)