Whooper Swans

The Whooper Swan is a large white swan bigger than a Bewick's Swan. It has a long thin neck, which it usually holds erect, and black legs. Its black bill has a large triangular patch of yellow on it.

Whooper Swans are mainly a winter visitor to the UK from Iceland from October to March although a few pairs breed in northern Scotland. Its winter population and small breeding numbers make it an Amber List species. In winter they can be found in Scotland, Northern Ireland, northern England and parts of East Anglia.

Whooper Swans breed in boggy areas with pools and reedy upland lakes and winter on lowland farmland near the coasts or on flooded fields and lakes.

Date: 10/12/06

Location: Welney WWT reserve, Norfolk