Mute swan Cygnus olor

Identification Tips:

• Length: 40 inches
• Large, long-necked waterbird with short legs and a short duck-like bill
• Long neck held in distinctive "S" curve at rest

Adult:

• Orange bill with black base, lores and knob above bill
• Black legs and feet
• Entirely white plumage
• Fluffy back feathers
• Female has smaller bill knob
• Sexes similar

Immature:

• We are still arguing about this section! Check back later.

Similar species:

Adult easily separated from other swans and geese by its orange bill and black knob above bill. We will get back to you about the immatures!

Length and wingspan from: Robbins, C.S., Bruun, B., Zim, H.S., (1966). Birds of North America. New York: Western Publishing Company, Inc.