CUTLINE: Mute swans are the largest, most aggressive waterfowl in the world. They are very territorial, attacking other water birds and even people. The big, white male birds even attack other mute swans to establish dominance among the flock. CUTLINE: The mute swan population around East Harbor off Western Lake Erie, just east of Port Clinton, has soared to more than 70 of the large birds this week. As swans challenge and chase Canada geese, their large flocks have begun to disappear. CUTLINE: Mute swans have orange bills with a black knob, making them easily distinguishable from native trumpeter swans and tundra swans, which have black bills. Mute swans grow to 30 pounds with an eight-foot wingspan, making them the largest waterfowl in the w D’Arcy Egan, The Plain Dealer
Cygnus olor
Habitat: Temperate; Saltwater; freshwater Height:5.7 – 6.2” Weight: 17-32 lbs Wingspan: 6.5-8’ Average Lifespan: 30-40 years Incubation Period: 36-38days Number of Young: 5-7 eggs – The Mute Swan is the national bird of the Kingdom of Denmark.
– The familiar pose with neck curved back and wings half raised, known as busking, is a threat display. – The blows from their powerful wings can be dangerous to childrenand are capabale of maiming or killing some of the larger predators. – 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; in reality, the Mute Swan is not completely silent.
