Mute Swan

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Mute Swan
Photo Information
Copyright: WEI C CHANG (rightway) Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Note Writer [C: 72 W: 0 N: 41] (323)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-03-30
Categories: Birds
Camera: Nikon D70, Nikon AF VR 80-400 ED
Exposure: f/6.3, 1/1600 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2008-04-14 9:06
Viewed: 317
Points: 8
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
A native of northern and central Eurasia, the Mute Swan was introduced into North America to grace the ponds of parks and estates. Escaped individuals have established breeding populations in several areas, where their aggressive behavior threatens native waterfowl.

Description:
Large, all-white waterfowl.
Long, curved neck.
Orange bill and black face.

Size: 127-152 cm (50-60 in)
Wingspan: 208-238 cm (82-94 in)
Weight: 5500-14300 g (194.15-504.79 ounces)
Sex Differences
Sexes look alike, male slightly larger and with larger knob on bill.

Sound:
Not mute. Calls quiet and do not carry. A snorting "heorrr." Hisses aggressively. Wings make singing noise in flight.

Conservation Status:
As an introduced species it is of concern because of its effects on native wildlife. Its aggressive nature can disrupt the nesting of native waterfowl. It is protected in some states, but not others. Some states are attempting to control Mute Swan numbers.

Other Names:
Cygne tuberculé (French)
Cisne vulgar (Spanish)


Cool Facts:

Downy young Mute Swans (called cygnets) come in two color morphs: a gray form and a white form. The gray (or "Royal") chicks start off with gray down and grow in gray-brown and white feathers, giving them a mottled look. White (or "Polish") chicks have all white down and juvenal feathers. Adults of the white morph may have pink or gray legs and feet instead of black, but otherwise the adults look alike.

The Mute Swan is reported to mate for life. However, changing of mates does occur infrequently, and swans will remate if their partner dies. If a male loses his mate and pairs with a young female, she joins him on his territory. If he mates with an older female, they go to hers. If a female loses her mate, she remates quickly and usually chooses a younger male.

The black knob at the base of the male Mute Swan's bill swells during the breeding season and becomes noticeably larger than the female's. The rest of the year the difference between the sexes is not obvious.
Source: www.birds.cornell.edu
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Critiques [Translate]

Hi Wei,

Very good close-up of Mute Swan. Very good colours and composition, pin sharp details.

TFS

Pekka

  • Great 
  • nglen Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1813 W: 2 N: 4661] (17560)
  • [2008-04-14 12:19]

Hi . Have just got home so can only mark this good picture for now.

Nick..

  • Great 
  • Luis52 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1006 W: 5 N: 2657] (9630)
  • [2008-04-14 18:19]

Hola Wei.
Exelente postal de este Cisne. Finos detalles de la cabeza y el pico, hermosos colores tambien. Interesante la nota escrita.
Saludos My friend.
Luis52.

Hi Wei.
This is nice to get a close up of. These can be difficult as the swans can be aggressive and try to bite your lens.(experience)
Nice rich colours and detail.

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