Best time to see: Oct to late Mar

Key facts

Large white swan that makes a loud trumpeting 'whoop'

Habitat: freshwater, 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