Mute swan / Höckerschwan (Cygnus olor)

The crowd hanging out at the one island by La Sauge - mute swans, a carrion crow, cormorants, yellow-legged gulls, and two Eurasian curlews at the left. 2025-04-21 14:04:37 Fanel/Chablais de Cudrefin und La Sauge

Observations

First documented observation: 2021-02-12 in Rapperswil. Most recent observation: 2026-04-30 in Flachsee am Reuss.

Description

Classification: Genus Swans (Cygnus); Tribe Swans (Cygnini); Subfamily Anserinae (Anserinae); Family Waterfowl (Anatidae)
Geography: This bird appears across the great seas in the following continents: Europe, North America, Africa.
General: Common waterbird at Pfäffikersee, very common on Lake Zurich.
General: Deutschland: Brut-, Jahres-, Zugvogel, Wintergast
Etymology: Ein Schwanenweibchen, das Junge führt, lässt bei Annäherung eines fliegenden Fressfeindes mehrsilbige ächzende Laute hören, die lautmalerisch mit krrr-wip-wip, chh oder einem tiefen chorr umschrieben werden können. [Link]
Vocalization: Silent compared to other swans. A repertoire of snorting, grunting and hissing sound when interacting. No far carrying sounds. [Link]

Seasonal behavior

Year-round bird

Other Details

Physical details

Physical details: length=145-160 cm, wingspan=208-238 cm, weight=7000-14000 g
Habitats: River and lake