The Mute Swan is one of the most iconic and elegant birds found in the UK, known for its striking white plumage and graceful presence on water bodies. These majestic birds are commonly seen on lakes, rivers, and ponds across the country. Despite their name, Mute Swans are not entirely silent and can produce a range of soft grunts, hisses, and snorts.

How to Identify a Mute Swan:

• Head: Pure white with a distinctive orange bill featuring a prominent black knob at the base, particularly noticeable in males.
• Body: Large and all-white with long, curved necks that are often held in a graceful “S” shape.
• Beak: Bright orange with a black base and a prominent black knob on males.
• Wings: Large and strong, with a wingspan that can exceed 2 meters. When swimming, wings are often held slightly raised.
• Legs: Black and positioned near the rear of the body, aiding in swimming but making walking on land somewhat clumsy.

Description and Statistics:

• Size: 145-160cm in length.
• Wingspan: 200-240cm.
• Weight: 9-12kg.
• Sexual Dimorphism: Males are generally larger with a more pronounced black knob at the base of the bill. Females are slightly smaller with a less prominent knob.

Breeding, Nesting and Rearing Habits:

• Mute Swans are monogamous and typically form long-lasting pair bonds.
• Nests are large mounds of vegetation, usually built on islands or reed beds near water.
• The female lays a clutch of 5-7 eggs, which she incubates for about 36-38 days.
• Cygnets (young swans) are precocial and can swim shortly after hatching, staying close to their parents for protection and guidance.

The Mute Swan in the UK:

The Mute Swan is native to the UK and has a long history of association with human culture, often protected due to its regal appearance. While they are primarily native, some populations have been introduced or bolstered by deliberate releases. They are now a common and widespread resident, thriving in a variety of aquatic habitats across the country.

Sources:

• The RSPB: https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/mute-swan/
• The British Trust for Ornithology: https://www.bto.org/understanding-birds/birdfacts/mute-swan