The RSPB: Bewick's swan

Bewick's swan

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Latin name

Cygnus columbianus

Family

Swans, ducks and geese (Anatidae)

Overview

The smallest swan in the UK, the Bewick's arrives in Britain in mid-October after spending the breeding season in Siberia. It has more black on its bill than mute and whooper swans and is considerably smaller and more like a goose in shape. Increasingly threatened by loss of habitat and man's activities, and with significant numbers in the UK, it is on the Amber List.

Where to see them

Found mainly in eastern England, around the Severn estuary and in Lancashire with concentrations at the Ouse and Nene Washes (Cambridgeshire), Martin Mere (Lancashire) and Slimbridge (Gloucestershire).

When to see them

October to March in UK.

What they eat

Leaves, shoots and roots.

Estimated numbers

Europe	UK breeding*	UK wintering*	UK passage*
>23,000 birds (winter)	-	8,240 birds	-

* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.

Distribution

Key

In the UK: England, Wales and N Ireland
In Europe: Western Siberia (breeding) and western Europe (winter)
Worldwide: Europe, Asia and North America

Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.

Find out more

Audio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100)