General Description: Mute Swans (Cygnus olor) are large, sexually monomorphic waterbirds. In adults, the entire body is white, and the bill is black at the base and the rest is orange. There is a black knob on the forehead, and the tail is relatively long. In juveniles, the body is gray, turning white with age, and the bill is pinkish with black at the base. The nasal cavity also looks like a black mark on the bill.

Taxonomy: Anseriformes, Anatidae, Anserinae

Favored Habitat: Urban ponds.

Where to Find: Mute Swans are non-migratory birds of the Northeastern United States and can be found all year in Michigan except during the harshest winters. Around Las Vegas, two can be found in the Overton Wildlife Management Area. Others can probably be found on private property around Las Vegas.

Comments: These domestic waterfowl were probably released at Overton as juveniles during the winter of 2006-2007.

If you were a tasty bit of aquatic vegetation or maybe a little tadpole, this might be the last face you ever see!