Mute Swan

The Mute Swan is a very large white water bird with a long S-shaped neck and an orange bill with black at the base of it.

The population in the UK has increased recently, perhaps due to better protection of this species.

Some birds stay in their territories all year while others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into eastern England.

Mute Swans can be found across most of the UK on lakes with shallow areas for feeding, slow-flowing rivers, canals, nearby fields and beside salt and brackish water. In winter they can also be found on sheltered coasts and estuaries.

Date: 10/12/06

Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk