Mute swan

Description:

Wholly white in plumage with an orange bill bordered with black. The name "mute" derives from it being relatively less vocal in comparison with other swan species.

Habitat:

Prefers freshwater, salt marshes, and protected bays.

Notes:

Native to much of Europe and Asia. Earliest known fossil records date 13,000 BC. Species introduced in North America, Australasia and Southern Africa in late 1800's. Currently, over 22,000 birds occupy coastal and freshwater habitats along the Atlantic coast from New Hampshire to Florida. Mute swan feeds almost exclusively on submerged aquatic vegetation. Aquatic vegetation is an important nursery area for the fish and crabs. The growing mute swan population is a threat to aquatic vegetation leading to water quality problems.