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 Mute
Swan L 150, W 210. The most numerous and
most widespread of our swans. Nests in reeds
on lowland lakes, gravel-pits, sluggish rivers
and canals (even in loose colonies), often close
to human presence. Non-breeders gather in large
flocks. In winter in flocks on the coasts. Fierce
territorial combats in which dominant males
drive off intruders with wing-splashing rushes
and 'slides' along the water. Can behave rather
aggressively, even towards man, more particularly
so during the breeding season. Heavy, weighs
on average 8-12 kg. When swimming it holds the
neck in a graceful S-shape with the bill pointed
downwards, often also with the wings raised
in shape of a shield. The tail is long and sharply
pointed. Adult's bill orange-red with black
knob, immature's greyish-mauve with dark at
the base. The immature is more variegated brown
and white on the wings than immature Whooper
and Bewick's Swans. Exceptionally, however,
downy young as well as juveniles can have white
plumage (so-called Polish swans. Comparatively
silent. The adults give an explosive rumbling
'heeorr', the immatures a low 'bivivivi'. Hisses
when using threat behaviour. A loud singing
buzz with each wingbeat is heard from Mute Swan
in flight. R
 An
excellent pocket reference book for recognising
birds is the Hamlyn Guide to Birds of Britain
and Europe, which is a comprehensive reference
guide to Britain and mainland Europe's plethora
of ornithological life.
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