The Mute Swan is native to much of Europe and Asia, and (as a rare winter visitor) the far north of Africa. It is also an introduced species in North America, Australasia and southern Africa. It is less vocal than other swan species and thus its name.
Measuring 125 to 170cm in length, with a 200 to 240cm wingspan, this large swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange bill bordered with black. Males (known as cobs) are larger than females and have a larger knob on their bill.
Cygnus olor is monogamous and often reuse the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Male and female swans share the care of the nest, and once the cygnets are fledged it is not uncommon to see whole families looking for food.
Reference to the Mute Swan is rich in cultural history. The phrase swan song refers to this swan and to the legend that it is utterly silent until the last moment of its life, and then sings one achingly beautiful song just before dying.
[All text: Ref (93)]
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