Whooper Swan [Cygnus Cygnus]

You can learn more about Whooper Swan - https://avibirds.com/whooper-swan/

In this video, we learn about the Whooper Swan.

Quick facts:

• Average lifespan: 16 years
• Average size: 153 cm (60 in)
• Average weight (males): 10.6 kg (23.4 lb)
• Average weight (females): 8.7 kg (19 lb)
• Average wingspan: 240 cm (94 in)
• Family: Anatidae

You can learn more about the Whooper Swan - https://avibirds.com/whooper-swan/

Description:

The whooper swan is a large, heavy-set yet elegant bird. It has an angular head and a long, slender neck. Its legs and feet are black, and its bill is yellow-orange with a black tip. It is similar in appearance to the Bewick’s swan. Juveniles may be grey or brown.

Vocalisations:

They are vocal birds with a deep honking trumpet-like call.

Behaviour:

Despite their size, whooper swans are excellent fliers. They do, however, spend most of their time swimming. Whooper swans use a variety of signalling motions to communicate with each other when the flock prepares for a flight.

Distribution and habitat:

Whooper swans breed in the northernmost parts of Eurasia and migrate south for the winter predominantly toward southern Europe and parts of East Asia.

Whooper swans inhabit a range of freshwater environments such as wetlands, lagoons, shallow rivers, estuaries, swamps, marshes, and bogs.

Diet:

Whooper swans feed on aquatic plants, including grasses and roots. They are mostly herbivorous, but the young feed on small invertebrates to satisfy their high protein requirements.

Reproduction:

Whooper swans are monogamous and mate for life. They build their nests nearby or at the water’s edge. Around eight eggs are laid, which the female incubates for roughly 36 days. The cygnets remain with their parents throughout winter.

Cultural significance:

Whooper swans are highly regarded birds throughout Europe. They are the national bird of Finland and featured on the finish 1 Euro coin.

Did you know? It is thought that the swan song legend originates with the whooper swan in respect of its final call at the moment of death.

You can read more about Whooper Swan here - https://avibirds.com/whooper-swan/

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