Whooper Swans are on the Amber List on the UK's Birds of Conservation Concern. Although there is some evidence that the numbers wintering in the UK are going up due to an increase in the Icelandic population, they face ongoing threats from avian flu and habitat loss.
Whooper Swans can be seen in winter in much of Scotland and there are also some large populations further south in England. RSPB sites include Loch Leven in Scotland, Ouse Washes in Cambridgeshire, and Lough Foyle and Portmore Lough in Northern Ireland. Wintering Whooper Swans can also be seen at WWT Welney in Norfolk and WWT Martin Mere in Lancashire.
As Whooper Swans gather in fairly large numbers, they aren’t difficult to see as long as you go to the right places at the right time! Head to a site known to have Whooper Swans and ask fellow birdwatchers or reserve staff for where to find them.
Up to 6,500 Whooper Swans have been counted on Cambridgeshire’s RSPB Ouse Washes nature reserve creating a white feathered winter wonderland that can be seen at dawn.
Whoopers Swans gather in wetlands, mainly in Ireland, Scotland, northern England and East Anglia, where they roost on open water. During the day, they graze in fields often eating leftover crops such as potatoes and grain, and in lakes and other water bodies feeding on aquatic plants.
These big birds are real high-flyers, able to soar at up to 8,000 metres (26,250 feet) – that’s almost six times the height of Ben Nevis.
Whooper Swans are named for their raucous, trumpeting "whoop-whoop" calls and yelps. They call in flight as well as when they are claiming territory.
Head outside and discover fascinating birds each month. Read on for top ID tips, what to listen for, and where to see them.
