Wildlife Watching Wednesday: The Invasive Mute Swan

By: Tom Berg

Swans are well-known as very large, graceful white birds. There are three species of swans currently living in North America: trumpeter swans, tundra swans and mute swans. Trumpeter and mute swans are similar in size, and they can each have a wingspan of more than seven feet. Tundra swans typically have a wingspan of six feet or less. The trumpeter and tundra swans are native species while the mute swans are non-native invaders.

All three swan species look similar, but mute swans can be identified by their bright orange bill with a black base. They have a bit of a bulging knob at the base of the bill, too.  Other swans simply have a black bill. The long neck of mute swans is often held in the shape of an “S” as they paddle around in the water.

Mute swans can be very aggressive, especially during breeding season. They will try to drive off anything or anyone who gets too close to them or their nest, including people and boats. Since they are such large birds, they can be a real threat to careless humans.  So be sure to keep your distance if you encounter them on your favorite local water.

Mute swans are most common around the Great Lakes, the Pacific Northwest and certain areas of the Northeast. Although they are originally from Europe, they have adapted well to their life here. They seem to prefer small lakes, ponds and marshes, although they can also be found in some rivers. They can breed in freshwater, brackish or even saltwater areas.

One of the problems caused by mute swans is habitat degradation. These large swans can eat up to eight pounds of aquatic vegetation per day. In some locations, they can remove the plant life faster than it can re-grow. This can destroy existing habitats and displace native wildlife species, including other waterfowl.

The next time you see a large white swan, try to determine if it is a native species or an invader.  And keep your distance!

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