mute swan
Cygnus olor

Familiar large white waterbird found on all freshwater habitats

Habitat: freshwater, estuaries and fields

Widespread and common resident

Large white waterbird with 'S' shaped neck; orange and black bill

Swims, feeds by up-ending, grazes in fields

Feeds on aquatic vegetation; in flight wingbeats are audible

Nest is a huge mound of vegetation on freshwater margins

1 brood April – May; 5-7 eggs white with blue grey wash