These majestic creatures are quite a treat when you come across them. I have had the fortune of seeing a few Mute Swans (Cygnus olor) within Westchester County. Most recently, it was during a hike I completed around Tibbetts Brook Park. Tibbetts Brook Park, like the Blue Mountain Reservation, is managed by Westchester County Department of Parks. Tibbetts Brook Park features a paved path around acres of lawns, a water park, fields for sports, and wooded areas surrounding man-made ponds.
Invasive Species:
While the Mute Swan looks like a living ornament, it has a complex history in New York. The species is native to Eurasia. The Mute Swan was brought here in the 19th century from Europe. As an invasive species, Mute Swans cause issues such as competition for other waterfowl, possible damage they can cause to agriculture, and could become nuisances to humans due to their aggressive territorial behaviors and possible spread of diseases (USDA). According to the NYSDEC, a little over 2,850 Mute Swans live in New York.
Mute Swan Appearance:
Mute Swans are part of the same family as ducks and geese, but noticeably larger. Mute Swans can weigh 25 LBS and have a wingspan of about 7 feet. Their appearance is characterized by a white plumage covered body, long slender neck, black face patch and orange bill. Male and Female Mute Swans look similar and usually only differentiate by their sizes where males tend to be larger than females. At birth, Mute Swans can be gray or white in color.
Mute Swan Diet:
Mute Swans diet tends to be on aquatic vegetation. They usually dip their heads into the water, up to 4 feet, to feed on the submerged vegetation. It has been noted that Mute Swans may tear out more plants than they consume, adding more evidence to their damaging effects. Mute Swans also feed on insects, small fish, worms, and tadpoles.
Sighting:
I saw the Mute Swan in several places in Westchester County. They seem to be more prevalent in the lower parts of New York than in the upper region as evidenced by the NYSDEC Mid-Summer Swan Survey, 2021.
This most recent sighting took place at Tibbetts Brook Park in Yonkers, NY. The park is a nice cross between urban hiking and nature stroll. The park is a great place to spend a day birdwatching. The Mute Swan seems to be solo in the lower pond or what I call the second pond. I have been here twice before and on both occasions I have yet to see a second Mute Swan.
While this species is invasive to the New York region, I did appreciate the chance to view it in a more natural setting. But as it is an invasive species, I understand the damage it may cause to the ecosystem, as I wrote about these issues in my article, This is Why Hikers Must Care about Invasive Species.
According to the NYSDEC website, Mute Swans are protected. But if you believe they are negatively impacting your area, you may contact the DEC wildlife office located in your area at this link: DEC Statewide Offices.
Species Spotlight:
| Common name | Mute Swan |
| Species | Cygnus olor |
| Location Spotted | Tibbetts Brook Park, Westchester County, New York |
| Date Spotted | April 7th, 2023 |
| Sighting and Trail Remarks | Tibbetts Park is a paved trail. The park is home to a wide array of birds including Mallard Ducks, Osprey, and Red-winged Black Birds. I saw the Mute Swan in the second pond. The Mute Swan stayed near the shore. Turtles were sunbathing on a nearby log and an Osprey, seeking a meal, dove into the water just past where the Swan waded. |