Mute Swan

There is a hump at the base of the beak.

Scientific name	Cygnus olor
English name	Mute Swan
Japanese name	Kobuhakucho
Classification	Aves
Classification details	Anseriformes Anatidae
Full length	about 150cm
Distribution	Western Eurasia from Europe to Central Asia. The individuals seen in Japan are imported.

Characteristics

A large waterfowl with a total length of 150 cm. It has a round, black knob at the base of its flesh-colored orange beak. A triangular black feather extends from the beak to the eyes. It has a long neck that bends freely to care for its wings. The legs are black, almost lead-colored.

The English name is "Mute" because it does not sing very often, but it seems that it does not sing at all.

The individuals seen in Japan were introduced for the purpose of breeding and are an alien species. No serious damage has been confirmed, but competition with other waterfowl is a concern.

Ecology

Inhabits ponds and lakes, and mainly eats aquatic plants such as Japanese rice, as well as insects and seeds. Build a nest in the grass near the water and reproduce. Chicks have either gray or white plumage, and this difference is genetic, not sex-specific.

Habitat

I photographed a couple prowling near the pier on the shore of Lake Yamanaka. It looked like it was waiting for humans to feed it while eating the aquatic plants near the surface of the water. He was quite familiar with people, and he didn't seem to mind even if the lens was pointed at him. It was manipulating its long neck to care for its feathers. What do you think when you see a swan boat?