Mute swan

Description:

Huge water bird, white plumage. Long neck, small head with orange-red bill, tipped with black. Black head knob on forehead prominent. Not shy and can act aggressively. Males have territorial fights with wing-splashing rushes and long 'slides' on the water.

Habitat:

Breeds on freshwater lakes, generally with reedbeds, and along coasts. Hardy, requires only open water in winter. Nest a large mound of reed stems, or, on coasts, a heap of seaweed.