The Mute Swan and the Whooper Swan are two distinct species of swans that can be easily differentiated by their physical characteristics. One of the key features that helps in telling them apart is their neck shape. The Mute Swan has a long S-shaped neck, while the Whooper Swan has a long thin neck that it usually holds erect.
Moving on to their bills, another distinguishing feature is the coloration. The Mute Swan has an orange bill with black at the base of it. In contrast, the Whooper Swan has a black bill with a large triangular patch of yellow on it. This yellow patch is quite prominent and serves as a useful marker for identifying this species.
In terms of size, the Whooper Swan is generally larger than the Mute Swan. On average, the Whooper Swan measures around 140-160 cm (55-63 inches) in length, while the Mute Swan tends to be slightly smaller, measuring about 125-150 cm (49-59 inches) in length. However, it’s important to note that there can be variations in size within each species, so this characteristic alone may not always be definitive.
When it comes to behavior, both swan species are known for their graceful movements on water. However, the Mute Swan tends to be more territorial and aggressive compared to the Whooper Swan. Mute Swans are known to fiercely defend their nests and can be more inclined to display aggressive behavior towards humans or other animals that come too close. On the other hand, Whooper Swans are generally more tolerant and less likely to exhibit aggression.
In terms of distribution, the Mute Swan is native to Europe and parts of Asia, while the Whooper Swan is found in northern Europe and Asia, including Iceland and Scandinavia. The Whooper Swan is also known for its long-distance migrations, as it travels to milder climates during the winter months.
To summarize, the Mute Swan and the Whooper Swan can be distinguished by their neck shape, bill coloration, size, behavior, and distribution. The Mute Swan has an S-shaped neck, an orange bill with black at the base, and is slightly smaller in size. The Whooper Swan has a straighter neck, a black bill with a prominent yellow patch, and is generally larger. Additionally, Mute Swans can be more territorial and aggressive, while Whooper Swans are known for their long-distance migrations.