The swan is considered one of the most beautiful of all birds, and most people when they imagine the swan think of a pristine white bird with a large wingspan, this is in essence just what the Mute Swan is, the archetypal swan. Around the world there are thought to be over five hundred thousand Mute Swans, with the Mute Swan being one of three breeds of swans that are commonly found in the United Kingdom, the others being the Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan. The Mute Swan though is a full time resident unlike the other two breeds.
The large white swan is one of the largest in its species, and is also one of the heaviest birds that can still fly. Male mute swans can weigh up to 22 kilograms, although 12kg is a more normal weight. Male mute swans can grow up to 170cm in length, 120cm high; with an impressive wingspan of up to 240cm. Female mute swans are noticeably smaller than their male counterparts.
When in the air, the Mute Swan is identifiably by the flying action, which makes use of long, slow wing beats to propel itself.
The story of the Ugly Duckling is based upon the early years of a Mute Swan, and although the Mute Swan cygnets may be dull to look at, they soon develop into the impressive and graceful Mute Swan of maturity. The Mute Swan is of course white, but has distinctive difference to other swans found in the United Kingdom. The Mute Swan has a curved neck rather than an angular one. The bill of the Mute Swan though is the main distinguishing feature. The Mute Swan has a reddish-orange colouring, rather than the normal yellow; additionally it also has a knob above the bill.
The other main characteristic of the Mute Swan is the noise that it makes, and rather than the loud honking associated with the majority of its brethren, a snort is normally made, hence the Mute.
The Mute Swan is also considered to be more aggressive than other swans, although this image is of course helped by its size. Male Mute Swans also often fight, which provides the display of two swans neck grappling.
In its natural environment the Mute Swan prefers a wetland environment, and is often found around marshes, estuaries and rivers. These areas provide the plants, snails and insects that make up the majority of their diet. In the United Kingdom this means that there is a suitable feeding area for the swans close by, and as such Mute Swans can be found pretty much anywhere. After the breeding season is over, Mute Swans often congregate together in large numbers, with places like Abbotsbury Swannery being popular with swans and tourists alike.
Abbotsbury Swannery has a good breeding record for the Mute Swan, and unlike the Whooper Swan and Bewick’s Swan, the Mute Swan breeds in large numbers in the country, and as such can be seen all year round. Every year fifteen thousand pairs of swans breed in the United Kingdom, and this number is further boosted by migrating birds arriving from colder regions of Europe. Like other swans, the Mute Swan is incredibly loyal to its partner, although as a general rule each swan will have four partners in its lifetime.
The Mute Swan is one of the staple parts of British birdlife, and folklore, although it is wrong to think of all unmarked swans being the property of the crown, as this only applies to sections of the River Thames.
Copyright - First Published 2nd March 2010
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