Mute Swan Communication

Mute swans are strongly territorial animals and normally live as lone pairs on small lakes due to this. Though in a few locations where a large area of suitable feeding habitat is available they can be colonial, one of the largest colonies of Mute Swans have over 100 pairs such as the colony at Abbotsbury Swannery (a place where I must visit!) in southern England. Non mated individuals normally aged under 4 years old can also be found in bigger flocks as this provides them with better protection than if they were on their own and also provides them the prime opportunity to find a mate. Once they have mated they seek out their own territory as a life long couple it is thought and they often live alongside ducks and gulls; and this benefits them because Swans can reach the deep water weeds and bring them to the surface so that the ducks and gulls have the chance to eat them.

As hinted by the name of this species of Swan they are less vocal than the other species of Swan. The most familiar sound that comes from the Mute Swan, that everyone shall recognise would be their hissing to warn off predators, this is their first form of defence and is commonly done in a way to protect their territory from threats. Another common sound associated with the Mute Swan which I think is amazing is the vibrant throbbing of their wings in flight, this sound is unique to the species and can be heard from a range of 1-2km, which indicates its value as a contact sound between birds in flight. They also make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting sounds especially in communicating with their cygnets. 

There is so much more to know about Mute Swans behaviour and I have discovered how little information that actually is out their about it which is shocking! Such as how male Swans hold their wings when trying to attract a female and how the male swans will push out other younger swans through nipping and tugging on their feathers and chasing them in order to claim feeding areas and assert dominance, even towards their own young once they are old enough to hold their own. There is so much to learn!