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Metadata
Title: Mute Swan
Alternative Title: Cygnus olor
Creator: Nieminen, Gene
Source: WV-1121-NJ1
Publisher: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Contributor: NATIONAL CONSERVATION TRAINING CENTER-PUBLICATIONS AND TRAINING MATERIALS
Language: EN - ENGLISH
Rights: (public domain)
Audience: (general)
Subject: Animals, aves, bird, birds, exotic, invasive, New Jersey

Description
Abstract: Mute swans are among the most beautiful of the seven swan species in the world. They have little or no fear of humans, they are easily observable and provide opportunities for people to come in close contact with wildlife. The young have a dusky tinge and grayish bill and remain with their parents for about four months after hatching. Mute swans reside primarily in river, lake and pond habitats. The mute swan is native to Europe and Asia and is an exotic or invasive species in the United States. Population growth and range expansion of this species has increased the number of swan-related problems for people and native wildlife. A major concern is the effect of the mute swans competition for food with tundra swans. Mute swans can be aggressive toward tundra swansand have been known to drive them from feeding areas and native habitat for tundra swans.

Date
Created: July 01 2001
Available: June 22 2004
Issued: June 22 2004
Modified: June 22 2004


The mute swan (Cygnus olor) is a species of swan and a member of the waterfowl family Anatidae. Cygnus olor is native to much of Eurasia, and (as a rare winter visitor) the far north of Africa. Cygnus olor is an introduced species in North America, Australasia and southern Africa. The name 'mute' derives from it being less vocal than other swan species.