The Mute Swan (Scientific name - Cygnus olor) is the swan most often seen in parks. This species is native to most parts of Europe and Asia and has been more recently introduced to North America, Australasia and Southern Africa.
The Mute Swan is a white bird with a long neck, orange and black bill and a distinct knob at the top of the bill.
Top photo taken in Stratford-upon-Avon, England in March 2013, the second photo was taken at Kensington Gardens in London, England in April 2013, the third photo was taken in the Fraser River at Steveston, B.C. in August 2009 and the bottom photo taken in West Vancouver, B.C. in May 2010 of a pair with their young.
The Trumpeter Swan (Scientific name - Cygnus buccinator) is the largest species of waterfowl native to North America. They are migratory and the largest number of breeding pairs can be found in Alaska. They winter in the Southern part of Western Canada and in Washington State, Montana and sometimes Colorado. They have historically been known to range as far south as Texas or California.
The adult Trumpeter Swan is all white with a distinctive black bill. Juveniles display grey plumage. The legs are a grey/pink colour.
The two top photos were taken in December 2010 while the bottom photo was taken in February 2012. All photos were taken in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia.
