If you should rear a duck in the heart of the Sahara, no doubt it would swim if you brought it to the Nile.

A Mark Twain quote

Bewick's Swan: Have you seen this bird?

Bewick’s Swan

Bewick’s Swan (Cygnus columbianus) is a small Holarctic swan. The two taxa within it are usually regarded as conspecific, but are also sometimes split into two species, Cygnus bewickii (Bewick’s Swan) of the Palaearctic and the Whistling Swan, C. columbianus proper, of the Nearctic.

Bewick’s Swan is the smallest of the Holarctic swans, in length, wingspan and weight.

Bewick’s Swans have high-pitched honking calls and sound similar to a black goose (Branta).

Identification Tips:
• Length: 36 inches Wingspan: 85 inches
• Large, long-necked waterbird with short legs and a short duck-like bill
• Long neck held straight up with a kink at base

Adult:
• Black bill with variably-sized yellow spot at base
• Culmen somewhat concave
• Black of bill extends up to eye but does not encircle it
• Straight demarcation on forehead between black bill and white feathering
• Black legs and feet
• Entirely white plumage

Similar species:

The very large Bewick’s Swan is unlikely to be confused with anything but other swans.

As their name implies, Bewick’s Swan breeds in the Arctic and subarctic tundra. They inhabit shallow pools, lakes and rivers. These birds are migratory birds. The winter habitat is grassland and marshland, often near the coast. They like to visit fields after harvest to feed on discarded grains and while on migration may stop over on mountain lakes.

Bird Quote Trivia:

All of the swans in England are the property of the queen. Disturbing or bothering them is considered a serious offense.