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Species Description
The Mute Swan is large, common waterbird native to North Central Europe and Asia, with successfully introduced populations in the United States, Australia and Japan. Found on lakes, ponds, bays and marshes, it eats mostly aquatic vegetation, which it gathers by dipping its head underwater; it also grazes on land, and will take insects, small fish and frogs on occasion. Mated Mute Swans are highly territorial, sometimes claiming an entire pond as their breeding area, and a pair will defend their territory against other swans. However, breeding Mute Swans have been known to form colonies in large areas of suitable feeding habitat, and non-pair juveniles will flock together as well. One of the heaviest flying birds, the Mute Swan gets it name from being quieter than other swans, but it is not entirely silent.
