Birds and wildlife

Bewick's Swan

Cygnus columbianus bewickiiGroup: Ducks, geese and swansUK Conservation status:Red

How to identify

Bewick's Swan adults are white all over with a black and yellow bill, while young birds are greyish with a pinkish bill. Compared to the similar Whooper Swan, these swans have proportionally more black and less yellow on their bill. They're also smaller than both Mute and Whooper Swans and have faster wingbeats. Bewick's Swans are a Schedule 1 species, meaning it's illegal to intentionally or recklessly disturb them.

Where and when to see them

Bewick's Swans are found mainly in eastern England, around the Severn estuary and in Lancashire. The Ouse and Nene Washes (Cambridgeshire), Martin Mere (Lancashire) and Slimbridge (Gloucestershire) are good places to see Bewick's Swans.

Key

  1. Resident
  2. Passage
  3. Summer
  4. Winter
* This map is intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.
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Key facts