Ask the Swan Specialist

In Response To: Re: ages (The Regal Swan)

Hi Steve:

There is no absolute way of looking at a photo and determining age abecause you need to actually know when the birds were hatched for a definite answer. However, we can make a few generalizations.

All of the swans appear to be juveniles as their adult beak color (red) has not quite appeared. Beaks begin to change color approximately 6-12 months of age.

The mottled coloring of the necks and head feathers indicate that the birds have also not reached maturity as the color is still mottled (not totally black in color). The juvenile birds that are not mottled color and beaks have not completely changed are probably around 6-7 months of age. The birds that have the mottled appearance, are probably 5-almost 6 months of age.

We also surmise that the birds are very young based upon their size as they will not become the size of adults until after 8-9 months of age. Size is also NOT a good indicator of age, because size is based upon individual birds, gender and the availability of a food source.

We hope that these generalizations are of some benefit. The Regal Swan
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