Mute Swan

Cygnus olor(Gmelin, JF, 1789)

Updated 21 March 2026

Least Concern

Order: ANSERIFORMES
Family: Anatidae
Genus: Cygnus

At a glance

The Mute Swan is a very large bird, about 130–160 cm long, listed as Least Concern. It can be seen year-round.

Size: 130–160 cm
Conservation status: Least Concern
Best seen: Year-round
Commonness: Very common

01 · Identification

How to tell it apart

What does a Mute Swan look like?

The Mute Swan is a very large bird, about 130–160 cm long and weighing 5500–14300 g.

The mute swan is a species of swan and a member of the waterfowl family Anatidae. It is native to much of Europe and parts of Asia and the far north of Africa. It is an introduced species in North America, home to the largest populations outside of its native range, with additional smaller introductions in Australasia and Southern Africa. The name "mute" derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. Measuring 125 to 160 cm in length, this large swan is wholly white in plumage, with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob atop the beak, which is larger in males.

Description · wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0

Field specs

Length: 130–160 cm
Weight: 5500–14300 g
Wingspan: 200 cm

Measurements · avonet · CC BY 4.0

Field tips

behaviour

Look for the 'busking' display, where the swan arches its wings steeply over its back like sails and pulls the neck back, often paddling both feet in unison to move jerkily.

flight

In flight, the wings produce a loud, rhythmic, metallic throbbing sound that can be heard from a significant distance and acts as an acoustic contact call.

plumage

Immature cygnets have uniform grey-brown plumage and greyish-black bills, while white adults may show orange-brown staining on the head and neck from minerals in the water.

size_and_shape

When swimming, the neck is typically held in a graceful S-curve with the bill angled downwards, creating a distinct silhouette.

voice

While generally quieter than other swans, they emit explosive hissing, snorting, or low grunting noises when defending territory or feeling threatened.

03 · When

When to look

When can you see a Mute Swan?

The Mute Swan is present across its Australian range year-round, so it can be seen in any month.

05 · Behaviour

Habits and haunts

What does a Mute Swan eat?

The Mute Swan feeds on foliage/herbs, usually foraging in pairs or alone.

06 · Gallery

Plumage up close

6 photos

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