Mute swan  (Cygnus olor)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Range

Found throughout Britain, but absent from high ground and areas without fresh water (3). After 1960, the population began to decline as a result of poisoning from lead fishing weights (3). Since the mid-1980s and the banning of lead weights however, the population has increased (7). Outside of Britain, the mute swan is known throughout Europe and central Asia (8); it has also been introduced to New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and North America (5).

You can view distribution information for this species at the National Biodiversity Network Gateway.

Habitat

Found in a wide range of water bodies, including rivers, lakes, ponds, reservoirs, flood waters, tidal estuaries, and sheltered coasts (5).

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