Mute Swan
The above Mute Swan was photographed in New Jersey, but in reality Mute Swans came from Central Eurasia. The were originally brought to America as decorations for ponds of parks and estates. They can be aggressive and have threaten native waterfowl.
Mating is typically for life, but occasionally they will "divorce" their mate and move on. Swans will re-mate if they lose their mate. If a male loses its mate and re-mates with a younger female the female moves to his territory. If the male re-mates with an older female he moves to her territory.
You will find the Mute Swan in shallow coastal ponds, estuaries, ponds, bogs, and streams flowing into lakes where they feast on aquatic plants and some aquatic animals. They tips-up to feed on submerged vegetation.
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The female lays a clutch of 1 - 11 eggs in an open bowl nest which is usually found on a large mound of aquatic vegetation. Cygnets, babies, are swimming within 24 hours of hatching. |
