The RSPB: Whooper swan

Whooper swan

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Latin name

Cygnus cygnus

Family

Swans, ducks and geese (Anatidae)

Overview

The whooper swan is a large white swan, bigger than a Bewick's swan. It has a long thin neck, which it usually holds erect, and black legs. Its black bill has a large triangular patch of yellow on it. It is mainly a winter visitor to the UK from Iceland, although a couple of pairs nest in the north. The estuaries and wetlands it visits on migration and for winter roosts need protection. Its winter population and small breeding numbers make it an Amber List species.

Where to see them

Scotland, Northern Ireland, northern England and parts of East Anglia.

When to see them

October to March

What they eat

Aquatic plants, grass, grain, potatoes

Estimated numbers

Europe	UK breeding*	UK wintering*	UK passage*
-	3-7 wild pairs	6,920 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

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

Find out more

Identification

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)