The Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) is a common Eurasian member of the
duck, goose and swan family Anatidae. This bird is found mainly
in temperate areas of Europe and western Asia. It is not
normally migratory, but some populations are forced to move in
winter when waterways and lakes freeze. They are sometimes found
at the coast, particularly in winter, rather than solely being
birds of inland waters. For aesthetic reasons, this species is
often kept in captivity in areas where it is not native in order
to decorate parks and ponds. The descendants of such birds have
become naturalized in the eastern United States and Great Lakes,
much as the Canada goose has done in Europe. In some locations,
such as Chesapeake Bay, the numbers of these feral birds have
increased to the point where they are considered pests because
they compete with native birds for habitat and food. This large
swan ranges from 125-155 cm long with a 200-240 cm wingspan.
They may stand over four feet (1.2 m) tall. Males are larger
than females and