Species: Mute swan

The mute swan is a large white swan with black legs and an orange bill; the male has a prominent black swelling at the base of the bill; young swans (cygnets) are brown to grey when they hatch, acquiring the adult plumage after about a year. A variant of this species known as the Polish swan is found in some areas where swans were domesticated (for their feather down) and can be recognized by their pinkish legs and often white young. During flight the wing beats of these large birds make a distinctive swooshing sound. In the breeding season (March to May) they tend to build nests on the banks of fresh water sources such as canals, lakes and rivers in rural and urban areas. They use their long necks to feed underwater on water plants, insects and small amphibians. In addition they are often seen on farmland where they feed on grass and seedlings.

There is more information about the Mute swan (Cygnus olor) available on the website of the RSPB.

Disease general

No diseases found.

Research results

• Fungal respiratory infection cause of death in Mute swan (14/03/2018)
• No evidence of bird flu in dead mute swans (19/04/2016)

General news

• Mute swan: DWHC focus species 2015 (26/02/2015)

Publications

• Heartworm in a mute swan (Cygnus olor). de Bruijn ND, Velkers FC & Gröne A. (2009) Tijdschrift voor Diergeneeskunde. 2009 134(21):882-884. Klik hier voor meer informatie.
• Obliterative endophlebitis in mute swans (Cygnus olor) caused by Trichobilharzia sp. (Digenea: Schistosomatidae) infection. van Bolhuis GH, Rijks JM, Dorrestein GM, Rudolfova J, van Dijk M & Kuiken T. (2004). Veterinary Pathology, 2004, 41(6):658-65. Klik hier voor meer informatie.