James L. Cummins

The Mute Swan by James L. Cummins

The mute swan is most often associated with romance because of its stark white splendor, graceful swimming, and the fact that it mates for life. Yet there are many things people don’t know about this beauty, including that it is not native to North America and it can be one of the most aggressive waterfowl. This species of swan, which is also a member of the duck, goose, and swan family Anatidae, is native to much of Europe and Asia. 

The mute swan was introduced to North America in the late 19^th century. It is considered an invasive species because of its rapidly increasing numbers and impacts on other waterfowl and native ecosystems. As one of the heaviest flying birds, mute swans are very large, weighing between 25 to 30 pounds and measuring 55 to 65 inches in length. This large swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange bill bordered with black. It is recognizable by its pronounced knob atop the bill. 

Males (known as cobs) are larger than the females (known as pens) and have a larger knob on their bill. Pairs will typically incubate two to ten eggs for nearly 38 days, and both parents help in the feeding of the young until their first flight at 100 to 150 days. The young learn to swim and forage within a day of hatching. Young birds, called cygnets, are not the same bright white as the mature swans and their bills are a dull, grayish black, not orange, for the first year. The down may range from pure white to gray to buff.

Mute swans nest on large mounds built with waterside vegetation. They are monogamous and often reuse the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Both genders share the care of the nest, and once the cygnets are fledged it is not uncommon to see the whole family looking for food. The mute swan feeds on a wide range of vegetation. This is why large feeding flocks in the winter can cause significant crop damage, through consumption as well as the crop being trampled with their large, webbed feet. 

The most familiar sound associated with these birds is the vibrant throbbing of their wings in flight. This sound is unique to the species and can be heard within a 1-mile range. Despite the name, the mute swan does make grunting, hoarse whistling, and snorting noises, especially when communicating with their young. They will also hiss at anything they consider a threat to their territory. Although this bird can be tame, they are not backyard birds. 

The mute swan has become a more common sight in parks and gardens that contain large bodies of water and will approach picnickers and visitors in hopes of a handout, but it is not wise to feed them. These amazingly beautiful creatures are much better viewed from afar.

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