Description
Territorial display by a very aggressive male mute swan. The fluffed up wings show who is lord of this particular stretch of water. No bird opposes this imposing figure, which may weigh up to 40 lbs / 18 kgs. A cob (male mute swan (Cygnus olor)) of this size will show aggression against dogs the size of a labrador - not always with happy results. Any swan with raised wings is in aggressive mood; and when swimming, the bow wave at the front shows that the bird is travelling at speed. Here are links to more photographs of mute swans in fighting mood: .