Best time to see: Oct to late Mar

Key facts

Large white swan that makes a loud trumpeting 'whoop'

Habitat: fresh water, estuaries and fields

Uncommon winter visitor to the UK, breeding in Scandinavia and Iceland

Recognition

Large swan with straight neck, yellow base to black bill that extends forward to form a clear point; flat bill profile; 150 cm

Swims on surface, up-ending to feed, and walks on land, eating grass, grain and roots

Laboured flight with noisy wingbeats