How to identify the Bewick's Swan

To correctly identify the Bewick's Swan (Cygnus columbianus bewickii), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

115-127 cm (45-50 in)

Wingspan

170-195 cm (67-77 in)

Weight

3.4-7.8 kg (7.5-17.2 lbs)

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Adults are entirely white. Juveniles have greyish-brown plumage, particularly on the head and neck, which gradually whitens over their first year.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Relatively short and wedge-shaped. The bill pattern is a key identification feature: a combination of black and yellow. The yellow patch is typically smaller and more rounded than that of the Whooper Swan, often not extending below the nostril.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Black

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   The most crucial distinguishing feature is the bill pattern. Bewick's Swans have a smaller, more rounded yellow patch on the bill compared to the Whooper Swan, which has a larger, more pointed yellow patch extending to a point below the nostril. The yellow on Bewick's bill is typically restricted to the base, with a larger black tip. Their neck is also shorter and thicker than the Whooper Swan's.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles are greyish-brown, especially on the head and neck, with a pinkish-grey bill that has a black tip. Their plumage gradually whitens, and their bill develops the adult black and yellow pattern over their first year.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No significant seasonal plumage changes in adults, always white. Juveniles transition from grey-brown to white during their first year.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Males (cobs) are generally slightly larger than females (pens), but plumage is identical.

Key field marks

• Bill Pattern. Look closely at the bill. Bewick's Swans have a distinctive black and yellow pattern. The yellow area is typically smaller and more rounded, often not extending below the nostril, with a larger black tip. This is the most reliable field mark to distinguish it from the Whooper Swan.
• Size and Neck. Bewick's Swans are smaller and have a shorter, thicker neck compared to the Whooper Swan. They are larger than most geese but smaller than Mute Swans.
• Vocalizations. Listen for their characteristic 'honking' or 'barking' calls, which are higher-pitched than the Mute Swan's hisses and less bugling than the Whooper Swan's trumpeting calls.
• Plumage. Adults are pure white. Juveniles are greyish-brown, gradually whitening over their first year. Note the bill color of juveniles (pinkish-grey with a black tip).
• Behavior. Observe their feeding behavior (dabbling in shallow water, grazing on fields) and social interactions within flocks.

Explore the Bewick's Swan