Mute Swan

11 hours ago

Spotted

The Mute Swan is a large, elegant white swan known for its graceful S-shaped neck and an orange bill with a prominent black knob at the base. Despite its name, it is not entirely silent.

Where to spot

Widespread across temperate Europe and Asia, and introduced in North America, Australasia, and southern Africa. Found in parks, lakes, rivers, and estuaries.

How to spot

Easily identified by its all-white plumage, orange bill with a black knob, and the distinctive S-curve of its neck when swimming. Listen for their hissing when agitated and wing 'singing' in flight.

When to spot

Can be observed year-round in most of its range, as many populations are resident. Breeding season is typically spring and early summer.

Where to spot

Widespread across temperate Europe and Asia, and introduced in North America, Australasia, and southern Africa. Found in parks, lakes, rivers, and estuaries.

How to spot

Easily identified by its all-white plumage, orange bill with a black knob, and the distinctive S-curve of its neck when swimming. Listen for their hissing when agitated and wing 'singing' in flight.

When to spot

Can be observed year-round in most of its range, as many populations are resident. Breeding season is typically spring and early summer.

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Credits: WikiImages

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Credits: Owls1867

Credits: Door Marek Szczepanek - Eigen werk, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=81312

The Mute Swan's black knob (or 'knob') on its bill is larger in males (cobs) than in females (pens), especially during the breeding season, serving as a subtle indicator of sex.

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