Mute Swan

Originally from Europe and Asia, the Mute Swan was first introduced into B.C. in
1889 in Victoria. Today, feral populations exist on southern Vancouver Island, but
in Vancouver it is only regularly found as a captive bird on Lost Lagoon in Stanley
Park. Unlike our native swans, the Mute Swan is not very vocal, usually only making
a hissing sound. It arches its wings over its back when displaying or behaving aggres-
sively, and it holds its head in an S-curve with its bill pointed down while swimming.
The Mute Swan builds a very large nest composed of grass, reeds and cattails, usually
among cattails in shallow water along the shore. It is not wise to venture near nesting
swans because they are aggressive at this time of year and have been known to attack
and hurt people.

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