Mute Swan

The Mute Swan is a very large white waterbird, generally 140–160 centimetres long. Adults have an orange bill bordered in black and a pronounced black knob at its base, larger in males. The name refers to the species being less vocal than other swans, not to complete silence; the heavy wingbeats are themselves conspicuous in flight. Its long neck, massive body, clean white plumage, and orange-and-black bill separate adults from other swans over much of its native Eurasian range. (Wikipedia, Mute Swan account)

Native populations occur across much of Europe and parts of Asia, with rare winter visitors reaching northern Africa; introduced populations also occur on other continents. Mute Swans live on lakes, rivers, and sheltered waters, where paired adults guard their breeding area and young. Nest defence begins with forceful hissing and may escalate to blows from the wings or bites. Young cygnets sometimes ride on a parent's back when tired and shelter beneath an adult's wings during heavy rain, behaviours most readily seen around family groups. (Wikipedia, Mute Swan account)