Bewicks or Whooper?

[Dave66]

Hi Guys

I've just been for a walk and spotted four swans on the river Add estuary. They were about 500 yards away but I could tell they weren't Mute swans. They took off and flew over me, there were two adults and two young birds. The adults had very yellow bills and black feet. They called as they flew over. I would say they were quite a bit smaller than a mute swan. The river Add is on the west coast of Scotland in Argyll and i have only ever seen mute swans. could any body have an educated guess at what they were, sorry i didn't have my camera with me.

Thanks

Dave

[Jason Claxton]

Bewicks Swan would be more likely going on your description of size and the yellow bill Dave.Whooper Swans are a bit smaller than Mute Swans.

[david156]

Hi.

Whoopers and Bewicks are both vocal.
Were the notes in ones and twos (bewick) or in groups of three or four? (whooper).

David

[Dave66]

Hi Guys

Thanks for the replies, the calls were in one's and two's so i guess that means Bewicks then.

Cheers

Dave.

[aeshna5]

Bewick's Swans are pretty uncommon in Scotland, wintering mainly in southern/eastern England. It's noticeably smaller than a Mute Swan, but has much less yellow on its bill than the larger Whooper which is much more common in Scotland.

From your description I wouldn't like to give a definitive answer, but as I said Whoopers are much more likely up there.

[Jonathan]

Originally Posted by aeshna5

Bewick's Swans are pretty uncommon in Scotland, wintering mainly in southern/eastern England. It's noticeably smaller than a Mute Swan, but has much less yellow on its bill than the larger Whooper which is much more common in Scotland.

From your description I wouldn't like to give a definitive answer, but as I said Whoopers are much more likely up there.

Yep, I'd agree. Whoopers are by far the most common wild swan on the west coast of Scotland. I see whoopers fairly regularly in Mid-Argyl, including the Add estuary and on the seaward side of Crinan Ferry.

Moine Mhor and the Add estuary are cracking birding spots, though seemingly only ever visited by local birders.

Cheers
Jonathan

[Dave66]

Thanks for all the replies. I guess we'll have to say whooper swans then, next time I'll make sure i have my camera.

cheers

Dave.

[City Dweller]

The simplest way to remember the shape of the yellow on the bills is:

WhooPer = point (larger yellow area goes to a point)

Bewicks = Blunt (shorter yellow area and is generally blunt)