Mute swan
Scientific Name: Cygnus olorMaltese Name: Cinju
Family: Swans, Geese & Ducks (Anatidae)
Occurence: Very Rare
Breeds in Malta: No
Overview:
The Mute Swan is native to much of Europe and Asia, and (as a rare winter visitor) the far north of Africa. The name 'mute' derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. Measuring 125 to 170 centimetres in length, this large swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange bill bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob atop the bill. Mute Swans nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake. They are monogamous and often reuse the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Although this bird can be tame, especially to those who feed it daily, it is aggressive in defence of its nest, and its size and impressive hissing make it a formidable adversary for animals as large as a fox.
Status:
Very Rare. Recorded from time to time in winter, especially when its a really cold winter in europe. Some records are of small flocks. From a flock of 9 swans which entered Saint Thomas Bay, Marsascala, on 20th January 2002, 7 where massacred by poachers infront of many people.
When to See:
All records are in January and December.
Where to See:
Few records from Ghadira Nature Reserve. Other records from around the shore.
Photographs:
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Mute Swan, Ghadira Nature Reserve, 9th December 1984 |
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Mute Swan, Ghadira Nature Reserve, 9th December 1984 |
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