Bird
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🦢
Size
140–160 cmUK's largest bird — longer than a dining table
Weight
7.4–14.3 kgAbout 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
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)
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