Key information
The whooper swan (Cygnus cygnus), also known as the common swan, pronounced hooper swan, is a large northern hemisphere swan and considered to be amongst the heaviest flying birds. Whooper swans can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to their wintering sites in southern Europe and eastern Asia.
Length : 140-165 cm
Wingspan: 205-275 cm
Weight : 7.4-14 kg
Population : The overall population trend is uncertain, as some populations are decreasing, while others are increasing, stable or have unknown trends.
Habitat: These swans live in flocks near to wetlands. Bigger flocks of over 40 birds are more usual from October to November, with smaller flocks with fewer than 30 being more common between January and early spring.
Diet: feeds in shallow water and eats aquatic plants and roots. The young eat small insects and a variety of invertebrates to satisfy their high protein needs for growth and development.
Location
Birds of the Month
