adult

adult flying European distribution at rest

Identification

The Whooper Swan can be told from the Bewick's by its larger size, longer neck and larger amount of yellow on the bill. It is a similar size to the Mute Swan but easily distinguished in good light by the bill colour and shape. In silhouette, it has a straighter, less-bowed neck and holds its head more horizontally than the Mute Swan.

Habitat

Winters on lakes, estuaries, marshes and flooded fields.

Behaviour

Studies of wintering flocks have shown that the larger the flock, the more birds there are to share the 'look-out duties', so each individual can spend more time feeding.

Migration

Birds migrate in long 'V' formations, often stopping off at freshwater lakes, shallow bays or rivers. Birds move south from their breeding grounds in October-November, returning in March-April. The northern limit of their wintering grounds is dependant on the harshness of the weather. Birds from Western Iceland winter mainly in Ireland and W Scotland; those from Eastern Iceland winter in the rest of Scotland.

This information is taken from the BirdFile on the appropriate BirdGuides DVD-ROM. As well as video and sounds, our CD- and DVD-ROMs contain additional text on Voice, Sexing, Ageing, Food, Nests and Eggs and more.

For the purposes of our bird news services, Whooper Swan is classed as Local: generally fairly regular or common species that a 'county lister' or a birding beginner might be interested in going to see. (Note that rarity levels are currently applied nationally and may not reflect local variations in abundance.)

Hogganfield Loch, Clyde 08/02/2010	Minsmere RSPB, Suffolk 06/02/2010	Pont Croesor, Gwynedd 31/05/2007	Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincs 01/02/2010	Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincs 01/02/2010
Martin Mere, Lancs 01/01/2010	Wroot, Lincs 27/01/2010	Piddington, Oxon 26/01/2010	Drift Resr, Cornwall 24/01/2010	Drift Resr, Cornwall 24/01/2010

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