Scientific Name:
Cygnus olor
Common Name:
Mute Swan
Family:
Ducks, Geese and swans: Anatidae
Summary:
The Mute Swan is a very large, white water bird which is very common in many regions of the British Isles. It has along ‘S’ shaped neck and an orange bill behind which the face is black. The legs are black and relatively short.
Ecology:
Builds nests in dense reed beds. Feeds on a variety of invertebrates and small fish. Can cause a problem on chalk streams when they overgraze on Water Crowfoot.
Habitat:
Freshwater, estuaries.
Distribution:
Widespread in most regions of the British Isles except highland areas
Size:
152 cm