Whooper Swan
Cygnus cygnus
The Whooper Swan is a rare but regular winter visitor to Britain, typically seen in wetlands and coastal areas from October to March, with some individuals remaining in the country for the summer months. It is a large and striking species, notable for its loud, trumpeting call and graceful appearance.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Whooper Swan in the field.
The Whooper Swan can be identified by its yellow and black bill, long neck, and white plumage with a faint yellowish tint, as well as its broad, rounded wings and distinctive black and white pattern on its head and neck. Its size and upright posture also make it a distinctive sight.
The Whooper Swan is larger than a Mute Swan, with adults reaching lengths of up to 160cm and weighing between 7-12kg, making it one of the largest waterfowl species in Britain.
The male Whooper Swan has a pure white plumage with a yellow and black bill, and a black and white pattern on its head and neck, with no significant seasonal variation in its appearance.
The female Whooper Swan is similar to the male, with the same white plumage and yellow and black bill, although she may be slightly smaller in size.
The Whooper Swan's call is a loud, haunting "whoop-whoop" sound, often described as a trumpeting or bugling noise, which can be heard over long distances.
Whooper Swans are herbivores, feeding on aquatic plants, grasses, and grains in wetlands and fields, and are known for their graceful and agile flight, with a slow, powerful wingbeat and a distinctive "V" formation when migrating.
The Whooper Swan can be confused with the Mute Swan, but can be distinguished by its yellow and black bill, more upright posture, and louder, more haunting call, as well as its more slender neck and longer, more pointed tail.
Quick Facts
Who's spotted this?
Loading...
Recent community sightings
Loading recent sightings...
