AnimalsThe mute swan is a large white waterbird with an orange bill and a long curved neck. Pairs usually stay together for many years. It is quieter than other swans but hisses when it defends its nest.
Quick facts
- Scientific name
- Cygnus olor
- Group
- Birds
- Diet
- Herbivore (eats plants)
- Lives in
- Europe and Asia
- Habitat
- Lakes and slow rivers
- A young one is called
- cygnet
- A group is called
- bevy or wedge
- Conservation status
- Least Concern
How it is classified
Scientists sort living things into groups within groups. Reading down, each step is a smaller group, ending with the species itself.
- Kingdom Animalia
- Phylum Chordata
- Class Aves
- Order Anseriformes
- Family Anatidae
- Genus Cygnus
- Species Cygnus olor
Other members of the family Anatidae on this site: mallard.
Classification follows the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Other reference works arrange some groups differently. How classification works.
Is it in danger?
The mute swan is listed as Least Concern. The species is widespread or numerous enough that it is not considered at risk of extinction at present.
This is the IUCN Red List category as recorded in Wikidata on 11 November 2026. The IUCN Red List itself is the authority and may carry a newer assessment. What the categories mean.