Mute Swan - Photos by Bruce Dayton - mute swan (Cygnus olor)

ORDER: Anseriformes
FAMILY: Anatidae (Ducks and Geese - 52 Species)
SUB-FAMILY: Anatinae
SPECIES: Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)

Mute Swan
The Mute Swan is one of 7 species of swan world. The Male is known as a Cob, the female as a Pen and the young as cygnets. It was first introduced into North America to grace the ponds of parks.
SIZE	Large (50-60”) all-white waterfowl.
DESCRIPTION	The Mute Swan with its large size, black face, orange bill (with a black knob at base) and white plumage make this swan almost unmistakable. This swan holds its neck in a long, graceful S-shaped curve. Sexes are similar in appearance, but during the breeding season, the black knob on the base of the male's bill is becomes larger.
NESTING	Clutch size ranges from 3-7 eggs, which are incubated in 32 to 36 days. The parent birds strongly protect their offspring for the first few months but will drive them away by the following breeding season. The nest is large (5 to 6 feet) diameter, made of aquatic vegetation, and lined with feathers and down. It is built well above the normal water level. If available, it is built on a mound, such as a muskrat house.
RANGE	The Mute Swan does not migrate although they will move if conditions, such as ice-bound freshwater ponds make it necessary. This bird is found naturally in temperate areas of Europe and western Asia. This species was brought to the U.S. in the late nineteenth century to grace the ponds of parks and estates for their aesthetic appeal. Inevitably they escaped and now the descendants of such birds have become permanent residents in the eastern United States and Great Lakes area.
HABITAT	In the U.S., they habitat well-sheltered bays, open marshes, lakes, and ponds.
DIET	More than 95% of the diet is aquatic vegetation, although they will occasionally feed on insects and other invertebrates. Because of their enormous appetites, Mute Swans reduce certain wetland plant species, which may reduce the capacity of these wetlands to support native waterfowl.

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The images on this web page are copyrighted © 2003 - 2007 by Bruce Dayton. I want to share my photos to promote conservation and to help people identify and learn about the birds and other creatures that live with us on the North American continent. Please do not use any of my work in any non-profit or for-profit project without first getting written permission from me. You can ask for permission by emailing me at webmaster@wildlifeofnorthamerica.info. All reproductions must bear an appropriate credit.




Mute Swan

Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge Seneca County, New York


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Mendon Pond Park Rochester, New York


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Myrtle Warbler Drawing by Louis Agassiz Fuertes