Mute Swan
Cygnus olor · Waterfowl
Mute Swan portrait
Prospect Park, 23 May 2026
A Mute Swan on Prospect Park Lake, an introduced bird from Eurasia that has made itself at home on ponds across the north-eastern states and defends them aggressively against other waterfowl.
The black knob at the base of the orange bill is larger on males than females and swells further during the breeding season, a rough guide to both sex and condition. Despite the name, Mute Swans aren't silent - they hiss, grunt and snort readily, especially in defence of a nest; "mute" only means quieter than the bugling whooper and trumpeter swans. In Britain every unmarked one on open water still belongs to the Crown.
Birds, insects, plants and other wildlife, mostly from Brooklyn, with some from further afield.
Every photograph comes with notes on what it is.
Selected
Favourite shots. Filter by subject, or .
Places
Everything, by where it was taken.
Species
Larger catalogue of photos organized by species of animal or plant.
Catalogue
Every photograph, newest first. Narrow it by period, place or species; the three work together.
Updates
Coming soon. Sign up at the bottom of the page for updates.