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Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus

 
 

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adult

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adult
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European distribution
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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.

show section BirdGuides rarity status: Local

hide section Most recent UK and Irish reports of Whooper Swan

  09:46 09/02/10 Whooper Swan Leics Rutland Water 08:55 
  16:21 08/02/10 Whooper Swan Lancs Alston Reservoirs 11:15 
  11:56 08/02/10 Whooper Swan Ceredigion Llyn Frongoch   
  11:54 08/02/10 Whooper Swan Ceredigion Bwlchcrwys Pool  
  12:09 07/02/10 Whooper Swan Suffolk Loompit Lake 11:10 
  10:08 07/02/10 Whooper Swan Suffolk Loompit Lake 09:55 
  08:16 07/02/10 Whooper Swan E Sussex Northiam 06/02/10 
  11:40 06/02/10 Whooper Swan Kent Grove Ferry NNR 07:10 
  21:19 05/02/10 Whooper Swan Lancs Pilling Lane Ends   
  10:42 05/02/10 Whooper Swan Cornwall Drift Reservoir 09:30 

hide section Most recent photos of Whooper Swan (10)

hide section Key UK sites for Whooper Swan (12)

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http://blx1.bto.org/birdfacts/results/bob1540.htm http://blx1.bto.org/birdfacts/results/bob1540.htm   BTO BirdFacts: Whooper SwanEdit this link Edit this link
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