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The Mute Swan: Cygnus olor.

The mute swan is our largest Irish bird. Their poise and elegance is recognised by all. Our resident pair 'swan about' this season without their accompanying cygnets. Their large untidy collection of reed stems and plant debris which forms their nest at the lake edge, gives little protection to the incubating hen. The aggressive charges of the cob may not have succeeded in warding off the fox this year, though they have a reputation for scaring off even the hungriest intruder. The clever fox was seen by us on repetitive visits in daylight on the same open field route with a mission to accomplish - we now convict him of theft. The rats and otters are the more usual culprits. 4 - 7 greenish/white eggs are laid and kept warm for 35 days. One day later after hatching out the cygnets take to the water. A 'happy family' scene is witnessed as the young chicks sitting snugly on the parents back go sightseeing around the lake.

Probably introduced to Ireland by the Normans, ownership was then a mark of distinction. They were used traditionally as gifts between dignitaries (observe under the arm of the next dignitary ascending the steps to Aras an Uachtarain!) but 'conflict of interest' was rife then as now, as the main course on the banquet menu could be swan - very mute by then! The mute swan is unable to sing sweetly, can utter a few flat hollow sounds and hissing sounds in order to ward off unwelcome visitors.

Though 12kg in weight, she is a powerful flyer. Diet consists of water, beetles, tadpoles, and water weeds. inadvertently lead may be swallowed causing death and the other cause of death is collision with overhead cables.

The whooper and bewwick's swan are winter visitors to Ireland.

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