Mute swan

Mute swan
Cygnus olor, Gmelin, 1789

The second heaviest flying bird in the world, right after the kori bustard. The record holder found in Poland weighed 22.5 kg. In order to take off, it needs a long run-up on water or ground. It always starts upwind and then takes the desired flight direction. It lands almost exclusively on water; in winter – on ice. The mute swan, as its name suggests, is generally silent, but during the mating season, growling or melodious flute-like whistling can be heard. It hisses when upset. Swans are monogamous; they mate for life. It is important to remember that when fed by humans, swans can become aggressive, trying to extort food.
Distribution: British Isles, central and northern Europe, southern Iran, the Caspian Sea basin, islands and low regions of Asia, all the way to China

male / female
body length: 125–170 cm
wingspan: 200–240 cm
body mass: 8–16 kg / 6–11,5 kg