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Whooper Swan

Imagine a giant white bird with a honking call that sounds like a trumpet! That's the amazing Whooper Swan!

Images

Whooper Swan preening. Martin Mere, Burscough, Lancashire, December 2013

Whooper Swan preening. Martin Mere, Burscough, Lancashire, December 2013

openverse
Whooper Swans, Martin Mere WWT, Burscough, 2nd November 2013
Whooper Swans, Shelducks, Mallard and Greylag Geese. Martin Mere WWT
Young Whooper Swan angry with a pipe, Martin Mere, March 2009, 'Cygnus cygnus'
Whooper Swan, Martin Mere January 2010
Seeing Double, Whooper Swans, Martin Mere, Swan Lake Hide, February 2009
Whooper Swans, Martin Mere WWT, Burscough November 2013
Whooper Swan, Marten Mere November 2009
Whooper Swan RWD2
Whooper Swan inflight, on a foggy day at Martin Mere, January 2010
Whooper Swan, Martin Mere October 2011
Whooper Swan and Mallards, Martin Mere, Burscough, Lancashire, UK.

Key Facts

Scientific Name
Cygnus cygnus.
Habitat
Northern Europe and Asia, near lakes and rivers.
Diet
Herbivore - eats plants, roots, and stems; sometimes small insects.
Size
Can be as long as a small car, weighing up to 11 kg (24 lbs).
Lifespan
Can live for about 10 years in the wild.
Conservation Status
Least Concern (meaning there are many of them).
Fun Fact
Their wingspan can be as wide as a grown-up is tall!

Meet the Big White Bird!

The Whooper Swan is a super big bird that loves to swim in cold places. It's all white and has a long, graceful neck. When it calls out, it sounds like it's saying 'whoop, whoop!' That's how it got its name! These swans are like the kings and queens of the water, gliding around with elegance. They are the biggest birds in Europe that can fly!

Where Do They Hang Out?

Whooper Swans live in the northern parts of the world, like Europe and Asia. They love to build their nests near lakes and rivers where there's lots of yummy food. In the winter, they fly south to warmer places to find food. Imagine a long journey, like flying from your home to a faraway vacation spot, but much, much longer!

What's for Dinner?

These swans are mostly vegetarians, meaning they love to eat plants! They dip their long necks into the water to munch on roots, leaves, and stems of water plants. Sometimes, they might nibble on small bugs or tiny fish too. They are like nature's gardeners, keeping the underwater plants tidy while they eat.

Swan Babies and Big Families

Whooper Swans usually have a few babies, called cygnets, at a time. These little ones are fluffy and gray when they are born. Mom and Dad swans are very protective and teach their cygnets how to swim and find food. They stay with their parents for a long time, learning all the important swan skills before they grow up and fly away on their own.

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