MUTE SWAN.
CYGNUS OLOR (J. F. Gmelin).
Anas olor, J. F. Gmelin, S. N. i. p. 501.
Cygnus olor, Naum. xi. p. 442; Dresser, vi. p. 419; Yarr.
ed. 4, iv. p. 324.
Oygne, French; Cisne, Spanish; Schwan, Dutch; Zwaan,
German.
Full accounts of the habits and history of the Mute
Swan are to be seen in Yarrell’s work, and also in
Dresser’s ‘ Birds of Europe ’ and other works. Though
found in a wild state throughout the greater part of
Europe, it is reputed to have been introduced into
England from Cyprus by Richard I (1189-1199), and
records of it in this country extend back certainly to
the thirteenth century. It is now so well known as to
require no further comment here.
The usual colour of the Cygnets in their first down
and early feather is greyish brown, but some birds are
in these states white tinged with buff. The latter
were separated by Yarrell as a distinct species and
called Cygnus immutabilis, or Polish Swan.
[O. S.]
MUTE SWAN.
