The
mute swan (
Cygnus olor) is a
species of
swan in the
waterfowl family
Anatidae. It is native to much of Europe and Asia and is an
introduced species in North America,
Australasia and southern Africa. The name "mute" derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. Measuring 125 to 170 cm (49 to 67 in) 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, which is larger in males.
Photograph: Geni