The whooper swan is a large white swan, bigger than a Bewick’s swan. It has a long thin neck, which it usually holds erect, and black legs. Its black bill has a large triangular patch of yellow on it.
It is mainly a winter visitor to the UK from Iceland, although a couple of pairs nest in the north. The estuaries and wetlands it visits on migration and for winter roosts need protection. Its winter population and small breeding numbers make it an Amber List species.
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Beautiful swan images Ian x
Fantasic action shot Ian Love it
Swans are such elegant birds. I’d seen Whoopers in Iceland before, but didn’t know they made it all the way to Northumberland. Lovely photos, Ian, thanks!