Bewick’s Swan

Scientific name: Cygnus columbianus bewickii

Did you know: Bewick’s Swans are named after the famous illustrator and naturalist Thomas Bewick, who was the first to document and describe these birds in detail.

Bewick’s Swans are a small species of swan known for their endurance and strength. They are migratory birds, flying from their breeding grounds in the Arctic Circle to their wintering grounds in the UK and Western Europe.

What Does The Bewick’s Swan Look Like?

The Bewick’s Swan has a small, compact body with a thin neck and a relatively small head. They are predominantly white, with black beaks and legs.

The adult males have a small, triangular patch of black feathers on the underside of their wings, which is known as the “breeding plumage.” Whereas the females and young swans do not have this distinctive marking.

Bewick’s Swans are slightly smaller than the more common Whooper Swans, with a wingspan of around 170 – 195cm. That being said, they are generally quite similar in appearance to Whooper Swans, but have a slightly shorter and more rounded head, with a slightly smaller and more delicate build.

Bewick’s Swan Images

Facts About The Bewick’s Swan

Diet: They eat potatoes, grain, aquatic plants and grass.
Bird Family: Ducks, geese and swans
Length: 115 - 130cm
Wingspan: 170 - 195cm
Weight: 4.5 - 6kg
Scientific Name: Cygnus columbianus bewickii

The Bewick’s Swan Can Be Seen In The UK During The Following Months

• January
• February
• March
• October
• November
• December