Bewick's swan

Cygnus columbianus

  • Where it lives:

  • Non native species

About

Bewick's swans spend their winters in this country; they arrive from Siberia in late autumn, returning north again in the spring. They will often feed on fields during the day, eating crops like leftover potatoes and grain, before heading to roost on open water.

How to identify

The smallest UK swan, the Bewick's swan is white with a yellow and black bill. It can be distinguished from the whooper swan by the less extensive yellow markings on its bill.

Did you know?

Individual Bewick's swans can be identified by looking at their bill: the pattern of black and yellow that they display is as unique as a fingerprint.