RSPB Scotland’s Jess Barrett shares five facts about one of her favourite birds.
Five facts you need to know about mute swans
Standing at between 140cm and 160cm mute swans are one of our biggest birds in Scotland. On the water they may not appear so large but stood up on the ground you can certainly appreciate their height! They are bigger than both other species of swan found in Scotland which are, on the whole, winter visitors here – whooper swans and Bewick’s swans. A small number of whooper swans do remain in the Outer Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland during the summer.
Unlike other species of swan the mute swan is just that – mute! Whooper swans have a loud trumpeting call while Bewick’s swans make a soft mellow “hoo hoo” noise but the most you’ll hear from an adult mute swan is a loud hiss or snort when it’s angry, in defensive mode or during courtship. However, when flying their wings do make an unmistakable loud “waou waou” sound.
The ritual courtship of mute swans is an incredible sight, with many likening it to a dance. Mute swans pair for life and this courtship takes place in late winter with synchronised head dipping and their necks and breasts pressed together. Their two necks create a beautiful heart shape ️
A male swan is called a cob and a female swan is called a pen. While their colouring is the same there are a couple of ways to tell them apart. The males are bigger than the females so if you see a pair from a distance you should be able to work out which is which. If they are closer, take a look at the black round shape at the base of their bill – the females have a smaller one of these than the males.
Mute swans don’t start breeding until they are fours years old. The nest will be built from reeds, rushes and other plants near to water such as on a bank, an island or a reedbed and can be up to a pretty impressive four metres wide. Between four and seven eggs tend to be laid (although some do have bigger families) which the female will incubate for 34 days while the male keeps guard. If you’ve ever seen a mute swan on the nest or out with its young, called cygnets, you’ll know this is a role the male takes very seriously! Cygnets will often hitch a ride on their parents’ backs – while looking very cute it also has an important role in keeping them warm and protecting them from pike in the water.