The Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) is one of the heaviest flying birds. Males (cobs) average about 25 lbs and females (pens) over 30 lbs. They are natives of Europe and Asia and introduced in North America. Mute and Trumpeter swans have become quite a common sight in Burlington, where I live in Ontario, Canada. And Tundra Swans are also seen from time to time.
Apparently, Mute Swans get the name “mute” from being less vocal than other swan species. They have white plumage at maturity, though the feathers on their heads and necks are often stained an orange-brown by iron and tannins from water plants.
