All our geese are swans.
A Robert Burton quotation
Mute Swan
The Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) is a species of swan. This means it is a member of the duck, goose and swan family Anatidae.
It is native to a large part of Europe and Asia and a rare winter visitor in the far north of Africa.
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
Similar species:
Adult easily separated from other swans and geese by its orange bill and black knob above bill.
It is also an introduced species in North America, Australasia and southern Africa.
The name ‘mute’ comes from this type of swan being less vocal than other swan species, however it is not always silent.
All our geese are swans.
A Robert Burton quotation
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All our geese are swans.
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