Mute Swan | Hainault Forest

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

TQ4792 14/04/2019 ©Michael Trump

The commonest type of swan and the only one in Britain likely to be seen during spring and summer. It is graceful and usually silent, but can hiss or snort. The difference between male and female is not always obvious. During the breeding season the black knob at the base of the male's bill swells to become noticeably larger than that on the female. The Pen (female) incubates her eggs on a heap of vegetation while the Cob (male) keeps close guard against predators and chases them off. Both adults share the responsibility of caring for the nest. Once cygnets are old enough to look after themselves the parents loosen the parental ties. If the cygnets are reluctant to leave the parents may chase them away rather aggressively. Swans feed on water plants, seed, snails and insects.

TQ4792 19/02/2025 ©Raymond Small

TQ4792 23/03/2024 ©Michael Trump

TQ4792 27/10/2024 ©Raymond Small

TQ4792 03/11/2017 ©Raymond Small

TQ4792 10/06/2023 ©Raymond Small

TQ4792 12/06/2023 ©Michael Trump

TQ4792 22/05/2022 ©Michael Trump

Two ringed swans visited Hainault Lake that were part of a long term study investigating the demography of Mute Swans in south east England. A 6-year-old Pen wearing ring 4CBX (W41764) was spotted at Hollow Pond, Whipps Cross a number of times from 2016 until 2018. The last known sighting was at Wanstead Flats on 22nd April 2018. Ring 4BXZ (W41470) was put on a 5-year-old Pen also a regular at Hollow Pond during 2016 and 2017. Sadly, she was found dead after an animal attack there on 1st November 2017. Thank you to ornithologist 'Super Andrew' for this information.

Species