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Scientific
Name: Cygnus olor
Size: 150cm long. Wingspan up to
2.4 metres
Weight: 13 kgs
IUCN Endangered Species?: Least Concern
Estimated wild population: Several
hundred thousand worldwide. Over 30000 in Britain
Distribution: Predominantly northern
European
Description: This is not only the largest bird in Britain, but
also amongst the very heaviest, flying birds in the world – probably
only beaten by the Kori Bustard and Andean Condor.
The bird is so heavy that it will often be seen running across
the surface of the water before take off.
There are three species of swan in Britain, but this is the only
one to be resident, and breeding, all year ‘round.
In fact, whilst the mute swan is seen over much of Europe,
especially in the north, it is something of a British speciality. This may be down, in part, to the fact that mute swans have
been domesticated in Britain for hundreds of years.
Owning swans was considered a sign of great wealth.
This beautiful bird, so often associated with parklands and
country estates, has now been introduced into many other countries
around the world.
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