The mute swan is a large, graceful white swan of Europe and Asia and a familiar sight on park lakes and rivers. It has been associated with royalty and folklore for centuries.
Interesting facts
- It is one of the heaviest flying birds in the world.
- Despite its name, it is not silent: it hisses, grunts and its wings make a loud throbbing sound in flight.
- Adults have an orange bill with a black knob at the base.
- Young swans, called cygnets, often ride on their parents’ backs.
- Pairs usually stay together for many years.
- Lead fishing weights once poisoned many swans in Britain before they were banned.
Behaviour
Mute swans are territorial when breeding and defend their nests fiercely. Outside the breeding season, they may gather in large flocks.
Breeding and young
Pairs build large nests of reeds and lay five to eight eggs. The female incubates them for about 36 days while the male guards the nest.
Threats and conservation
The species is common. Threats include collisions with power lines, lead poisoning, fishing line and avian influenza.
Where to see it
- Abbotsbury Swannery, Dorset, England
- River Thames, England
- Lakes and rivers across Europe
- Alster Lake, Hamburg, Germany
Status source: IUCN Red List. Profile last reviewed September 2026.
