White swan swimming in the water of a cool river
Mute Swan Pictures, Images and Stock Photos
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L 140-160cm, WS 200-240cm. Breeds on freshwater lakes, generally with reed beds and along coasts. Hardy, requires only open water in winter. Nest a large mound of reed stems etc. or on coasts, a heap of seaweed. Not shy, and can act aggressively, males have territorial fights with wing splashing rushes and long slides on the water. This is a very common Bird in our Dutch Polders where there is enough open water.
Various birds (Struthionidae, Ciconiidae, Scolopacidae, Larinae, Anatidae): a) Ostrich (Struthio camelus, male); b) White stork (Ciconia ciconia); c) Eurasian woodcock (Scolopax rusticola); d) Black-headed gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus); e) Mute swan (Cygnus olor); f) Mallard, or wild dug (Anas platyrhynchos, male); g) Greylag goose (Anser anser). Chromolithograph, published in 1891.
Two mute swans in flight against a blue spring sky. Long before thoughts arise of raising a new brood, a pair of mute swans (Cygnus olor) will vigorously defend a stretch of water that it wants to lay claim to. This can include rapid flights down river to where gangs of Canada geese are busy minding their own business. On water or on land, 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.