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Mute Swan
Cygnus olor
Migration Flyway
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About the Mute Swan
The mute swan (Cygnus olor) is a species of swan and a member of the family Anatidae within the waterfowl order. It is native to much of Europe and parts of Asia and (as a rare winter visitor) the far north of Africa. It is an introduced species in North America, home to the largest populations outside of its native range, with additional smaller introductions in Australasia and Southern Africa. The name "mute" derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. Typically measuring 140 to 160 cm (55 to 63 in) in length, this large swan is wholly white in plumage, with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob atop the beak, which is larger in males.
Source: Wikipedia
Classification
- Scientific name
- Cygnus olor
- Family
- Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl
- Order
- Anseriformes
Similar species
Other members of the ducks, geese, and waterfowl family recorded in North America — a useful place to start if you are not certain of your identification.
- American Black Duck Anas rubripes
- American Wigeon Mareca americana
- Baer's Pochard Aythya baeri
- Baikal Teal Sibirionetta formosa
- Bar-headed Goose Anser indicus
- Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis
- Barrow's Goldeneye Bucephala islandica
- Black Scoter Melanitta americana
- Black Swan Cygnus atratus
- Black-bellied Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna autumnalis
- Black-necked Swan Cygnus melancoryphus
- Blue-billed Teal Spatula hottentota
Know when the Mute Swan turns up near you
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Optics
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