The Mute Swan: Why this Beauty is also a BeastThe Mute Swan (Cygnus Olor), most commonly known amongst the swan species, was introduced into North America by Europe and Asia in the late 1800s to grace the ponds of parks, estates, and zoos. For some, they're a loved symbol of serenity in city parks across Canada... Then they started escaping and establishing breeding populations in several areas, where their aggressive behaviour is threatening native waterfowl.Description and FactsThe Mute Swan is smaller than the Trumpeter Swan, but larger than the Tundra Swan. Unlike the other two species, it has an orange bill and a black face. The S-shape of its long neck is more defined than that of the other two species. Their wings are also more raised and their bill is pointing downwards as they swim, which gives them a more majestic look. Their size is between 127 - 152 cm (50 - 60 inches), with a wingspan of between 208 - 238 cm (82 - 94 inches), and a weight of 5,500 - 14,300 g (194.15 - 504.79 ounces). The male (cob) is slightly larger than the female (pen), and has a larger knob on its bill.Though they're called Mute Swans, they are not mute at all. However, they earn this name due to their calls being quiet and not carrying very far. Their flapping wings make a singing sound when they're in flight. During breeding season the male Mute Swan's bill swells and becomes noticeably larger than the female's. Just like the Trumpeter Swan and the Tundra Swan, they're said to mate for life, but this is not always the case in Mute Swans. Some have been observed to have as many as four mates, or even "divorce" one mate in favour of another. In case of the death of a partner, they will find another partner. The cygnets (baby swans) have two color morphs: a gray form and a white form. As adults they look alike, though the ones of the white morph may have pink or gray legs and feet instead of black.  These swans are most commonly found in the wild, in parks or on country estates. In the winter they are found on marine waters. They like to live in well-sheltered bays, open marshes, lakes, and ponds. They rarely nest in colonies. Breeding begins in March or early April. They either build a new nest or use a previously constructed mound. The large nest is made of aquatic vegetation, lined with feathers and down, and it's built well above the normal water level in swampy places near a pond or lake. It is common for clutches of 5 to 7 to occur, but even 5 to 12 are possible. The eggs are pale gray to pale blue-green. Incubation lasts 36 to 38 days. The cygnets are brownish gray and only remain in the nest for one day. Within the next 12 months they gradually turn white. The male (cob) may often take the first-hatched cygnet to the water while the female (pen) continues to incubate the remaining eggs. The male Mute Swan is very protective of its territory (YouTube) and its cygnets. In about 60 days cygnets are able to fly. They can ride on the backs of their parents or under their wings. The parents drive the young away by the following breeding season. The cygnets then join flocks of other non-breeding swans. During this time they molt their feathers, making them flightless for a short period of time. They begin to bond with a mate in the next two years, and start looking for suitable breeding territory. Swans do not begin to breed until about their third year.  |
