Ask the Swan Specialist
Date: 4 September 2013
Hi Bill:
There are 7 species and one subspecies:
Mute Swan (orange beak) England, Eurasia
Whooper Swan (yellow/black beak) National Bird of Finland
Trumpeter Swan (black beak) North America
Tundra Swan (black beak with small yellow lore-space between beak and eye) North America
Black Swan (black swan with red beak) Australia/New Zealand
Black-Neck Swan (most fragile species, black neck/white bird with large caruncle on beak). South America
Coscoroba (smallest swan that looks like goose, duck and swan, white with pink/coral beak and feet). South America
Bewick Swan (yellow/black beak) Eurasia Sub-species of Tundra Swan
As far as populations, you will need to check with the various areas that the swans are native to determine approximate numbers. Another issue is that many of these species are also kept in private settings, zoos, etc., and population would have to also consider these collections.
Interestingly, at one time in their existence, all swan species were listed on endangered species lists due to the feather trade, hunting, lead poisoning or other issues that decimated their numbers. Many countries and environmental entities worked to bring populations back. Now, many of these same areas are allowing the culling of populations.
The Regal Swan
Messages In This Thread
- number of swans -- Bill -- 4 September 2013
- Re: number of swans -- The Regal Swan -- 4 September 2013
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