Come identificare Mute Swan

Per identificare correttamente Mute Swan (Cygnus olor), controlla ciascuna di queste caratteristiche. Gli uccelli possono essere complicati da riconoscere, perché comportamento, habitat e canto spesso confermano ciò che una sola foto non può.

Dimensioni a colpo d'occhio

Lunghezza

125-170 cm (49-67 in)

Apertura alare

200-240 cm (79-94 in)

Peso

8.3-12.2 kg (18-27 lb) for males, 6.8-11.2 kg (15-25 lb) for females, with exceptional individuals reaching up to 23 kg (51 lb)

Caratteristiche fisiche da controllare

1. 1

   Piumaggio

   Colorazione e disegno generale del piumaggio.

   Adults are entirely pure white. Juveniles (cygnets) are typically grey-brown, gradually turning white over their first year, though a rare 'Polish' morph is white from hatching.

2. 2

   Forma del becco

   Forma e colore del becco, un segno di campo chiave.

   Large, wedge-shaped bill, bright orange with a black tip and a prominent black knob (cere) at the base. The knob is noticeably larger and more pronounced in males (cobs) than in females (pens), especially during the breeding season.

3. 3

   Colore degli occhi

   Colore dell'iride e segni distintivi sugli occhi.

   Dark brown

4. 4

   Colore delle zampe

   Colore di zampe e piedi.

   Blackish-grey

5. 5

   Caratteristiche distintive

   Tratti distintivi che separano questa specie.

   The most distinctive features are the S-shaped curve of the neck, the orange bill with a black knob, and the characteristic 'snorting' or 'hissing' sound it makes when disturbed, rather than a true vocal call. When swimming, it often holds its neck in a graceful S-curve with the bill pointed downwards.

6. 6

   Aspetto giovanile

   Come i giovani si differenziano dagli adulti.

   Cygnets are typically covered in grey-brown down, with a dull greyish-pink bill that gradually darkens to black and then develops the adult orange and black coloration. They attain adult white plumage by their second year.

7. 7

   Cambiamenti stagionali

   Variazione del piumaggio tra stagione riproduttiva e non.

   No significant seasonal plumage changes in adults. The size of the black knob on the male's bill can be more pronounced during the breeding season.

8. 8

   Dimorfismo sessuale

   Differenze tra maschi e femmine.

   Males (cobs) are generally larger and heavier than females (pens) and have a significantly larger black knob on their bill, especially during the breeding season. Otherwise, plumage is identical.

Segni di campo chiave

• Neck Posture. Look for the distinctive S-shaped curve of the neck, often with the head held low and the bill pointed downwards, especially when swimming. Other swan species typically hold their necks straighter.
• Bill Color and Knob. Identify the bright orange bill with a black tip and a prominent black knob (cere) at the base. The size of this knob is a good indicator of sex (larger in males).
• Plumage. Adults are entirely pure white. Juveniles are grey-brown.
• Vocalization. Listen for the characteristic 'hissing' or 'snorting' sounds when disturbed, and the loud, rhythmic 'singing' or 'thrumming' sound produced by their wings in flight. The absence of loud, bugling calls distinguishes it from other swan species.
• Behavior. Observe its territorial displays, such as arching its wings over its back (busking display) and hissing, especially during the breeding season.

Esplora Mute Swan