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Mute Swan

Cygnus olor ORDER: ANSERIFORMES FAMILY: ANATIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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Mute Swan Photo

© Kevin T. Karlson

A native of northern and central Eurasia, the Mute Swan was introduced into North America to grace the ponds of parks and estates. Escaped individuals have established breeding populations in several areas, where their aggressive behavior threatens native waterfowl.

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Appearance

Ducklike
Ducklike
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Large, all-white waterfowl.
  • Long, curved neck.
  • Orange bill and black face.

Immature Description

Dirty gray or white. Legs gray or pinkish. Bill gray or tan, turning pinkish. Bill knob lacking or small. Lores white and feathered, turning black.

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Mute Swan Range Map
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Similar Species

  • Tundra Swan and Trumpeter Swan have all black bills without knobs and straight necks. Juveniles have pink bills, but show varying amounts of black as they age.
  • Snow Goose smaller and with shorter neck, black wingtips, pink bill.
  • Domestic goose smaller, with shorter neck, and pink or orange legs.
  • White Pelican has short neck, large yellow or orange bill, orange legs, and black flight feathers.