Mute Swan | Hainault Forest

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

The commonest type of swan and the only one in Britain likely to be seen during spring and summer. It is graceful and usually silent, but can hiss or snort. The difference between male and female is not always obvious. During the breeding season the black knob at the base of the male's bill swells to become noticeably larger than that on the female. The Pen (female) incubates her eggs on a heap of vegetation while the Cob (male) keeps close guard against predators and chases them off. Both adults share the responsibility of caring for the nest. Once cygnets are old enough to look after themselves the parents loosen the parental ties. If the cygnets are reluctant to leave the parents may chase them away rather aggressively. Swans feed on water plants, seed, snails and insects.