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  • Mute swan

Mute swan

Mute swan (adult)
Mute swan (adult)
Mute swan (juvenile)
Mute swan (juvenile)
  • Scientific name: Cygnus olor
  • Bird family: Ducks, geese and swans
  • UK conservation status: Green
  • Protected by The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

Mute swan call audio

Your browser does not support this audio feature.

Fraser Simpson, Xeno-canto

Key information

The mute swan is a very large white waterbird. It has a long S-shaped neck and an orange bill with a black base and a black knob. It flies with its neck extended and regular, slow wingbeats.

The population in the UK has increased recently, perhaps due to better protection of this species. The problem of lead poisoning on lowland rivers has also largely been solved by a ban on the sale of lead fishing weights. Some birds stay in their territories all year, while others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into eastern England.

What they eat:

Water plants, insects and snails.

Measurements:

Length:
140-160cm
Wingspan:
208-238 cm
Weight:
10-12 kg

Population:

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.
UK breeding:
6,400 pairs
UK wintering:
74,000 birds

Identifying features:

This bird species has different identifying features depending on sex/age/season.

Mute swan (adult)

Mute swan adult
Feather colour: White
Leg colour: Black
Beak: Black Orange Long Duck-like Chunky
Natural habitats: Farmland Grassland Marine and intertidal Urban and suburban Wetland

Mute swan (juvenile)

Juvenile mute swan
Feather colour: Brown Grey White
Leg colour: Black
Beak: Black Brown Long Duck-like Chunky
Natural habitats: Farmland Grassland Marine and intertidal Urban and suburban Wetland

Similar birds:

Bewick's swan adult
Bewick's swan
Whooper swan
Whooper swan

Where and when to see them

The mute swan breeds across most of the UK, other than in northern Scotland, mid-Wales and the moors of south-west England. It's possible to see them anywhere there is a shallow lake, or a slow-flowing rivers, even in urban areas and parks.

* This map is intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.
  • Resident
  • Passage
  • Summer
  • Winter
Mute swan distribution map

It's possible to see mute swans throughout the whole year.

  • jan
  • feb
  • mar
  • apr
  • may
  • jun
  • jul
  • aug
  • sep
  • oct
  • nov
  • dec

RSPB reserves

  • RSPB Black Devon Wetlands
  • RSPB Rockland Marshes
  • RSPB Loch Spynie

Video

Close up of a mute swan.

Close up of a mute swan.

Mute swan video screenshot

In more depth

Mute swan feeding

Mute swan feeding

Mute swan nesting and breeding habits

Mute swan nesting and breeding habits

Sick, injured and orphaned swans

Sick, injured and orphaned swans

Swans and humans

Swans and humans

Threats

Threats

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