Monday 23 January 2012

Whooper Swan

Adult

Juvenile

Adult

Adult

Pair of adults

Group of juveniles
The Whooper Swans` name in latin literally means `Swan swan`. The `swaniest` of swans is the other migratory wild swan we get in the U.K. in the winter months. They breed on the tundra in Iceland and northern Scandinavia and arrive on our shores in October and leave before the middle of April.

They are larger than the Bewick`s Swan, but smaller than the Mute Swan. One way to tell this bird apart from its` cousin the Bewick`s (apart from its` size) is the amount of yellow on the bill. On the Whooper this yellow extends further along the bill, beyond the nostrils, where the Bewick`s marks end before the nostrils. Although, having said that, some birds differ and have less yellow! Every birds bill markings are unique and this is used to tell each bird apart in the absence of a leg ring. You will see in the photos above that a few are of the same adult if you look at the yellow bill markings. The birds in these photos are most probably a family group as the young do stay with their parents for their first autumn and winter.

14 comments:

  1. Super birds, aren't they. Swans always seem to me to get along with the minimum amount of fuss. Something the human race would do well to copy.

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  2. That certainly is a distinctive beak, John. Wise looking birds, aren't they.

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  3. Hi John... beautiful bird ...I like the 4th one as I usually see Swan photos on water !!
    Good post and information!!
    Grace

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  4. These and their cousins, the Bewicks, are always welcome visitors to these shores. Beautiful swans.

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  5. They are quite a rarity here in Kent. Lovely set of images John :-)

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  6. Hi John,
    They are lovely birds, although I have seen a few fights break out amongst Mute Swans when they are in the breeding season!
    J

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  7. Hi Rob,
    The guide books describe it as `romanesque`!
    J

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  8. Hi Grace,
    Thank you. It`s nice to see them on land, but they are in their element when on water.
    J

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  9. Hi Keith,
    I heartily concur with that sentiment.
    J

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  10. Hi Alan,
    Yes , the Bewick`s swan is more common here too, but we have our fair share of Whoopers!
    J

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  11. Beautiful birds to see John.
    Lovely images.

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  12. Thanks Andrew, too kind!
    (Got it right this time!) ;)
    J

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  13. Thanks Andrew, still can`t believe I got your name wrong before!
    J

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