Psilos Wildfowl Photography

Whooper Swan

(Cygnus cygnus)

 
This swan is a winter visitor to the UK from Iceland and northern Europe. They can mainly be seen at some of the strategic WWT centres such as Welney and Martinmere were there are wetland habitats, mainly with shallow lakes. They can also be found on coastal flats. The Whooper is larger and longer-necked than Bewick's Swan, which is very similar. It also has more extensive yellow on its beak.
 
 
The yellow markings on the beak are unique to every swan. Like with our fingerprints no two bill patterns are the same. Because of this records can be kept as to the identity of individual birds.
 
 
The family bond remains strong and the juveniles stay close by the parents all through the winter months. Only when they go back to Iceland will the family seperate.
 
Whooper swan juvenile
 
 
 
Whoopers winter in large numbers. At Martinmere there are over 1200 present at the roosts.
 
 
The photo above shows part of their counrtship display. Stretching out their wings and neck they whoop loudly, hence their name.