Canada Goose vs Mute Swan
Branta canadensis compared with Cygnus olor
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Canada Goose | Mute Swan |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Branta canadensis | Cygnus olor |
| Order | Anseriformes | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae | Anatidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | 152.0 cm (59.8 in) |
| Wingspan | 84.6 cm (33.3 in) | 235.0 cm (92.5 in) |
| Weight | 4906.599999999999 g (173.08 oz) | 11000.0 g (388.01 oz) |
| Diet | Grazes aquatic vegetation and grasses in Arctic tundra; migrates south to winter on estuaries eating … | Submerged aquatic vegetation, algae, and grass. Feeds by upending in shallow water, reaching depths of … |
| Clutch Size | 1-8 | 5-7 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Size Comparison
Habitat Comparison
Canada Goose
Lakes, rivers, ponds, parks, golf courses, agricultural fields, and coastal marshes across North America. Breeds on ground near water. Many populations now resident year-round in temperate urban areas.
Mute Swan
Lakes, slow rivers, estuaries, and coastal lagoons. Often associated with parks and ornamental waters in Europe.
Song & Call Comparison
Canada Goose
A loud, resonant 'a-honk' or 'hrr-onk'. Flocks produce a constant clamoring honk during migration. Also gives softer cackling contact calls. One of the most recognizable bird sounds.
Mute Swan
Despite its name, not truly mute: gives hissing snorts and low grunting when threatened. Wings produce a loud rhythmic whistling throbbing sound in flight.
Geographic Range & Migration
Canada Goose
Breeds across Canada and Alaska; winters from the contiguous US to northern Mexico. Introduced populations resident in Europe and New Zealand.
Mute Swan
Native to Europe and western Asia. Introduced to North America, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.
Conservation Status
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
How to Tell Them Apart
Canada Goose
Black head and long neck with bold white chin strap. Back and wings brown-gray; underparts pale tan to white on belly. White undertail coverts. Tail black. Large and familiar; sexes …
Mute Swan
All-white plumage in adults. Cygnets are grey-brown, gradually whitening over the first year. Graceful S-curved neck posture is distinctive.
Orange bill with a prominent black knob at the base, larger in males
About These Birds
Canada Goose
A large familiar goose with a black head and neck, white chinstrap patch, brown body, and white undertail. The most widespread goose in North America. Populations have dramatically expanded in urban parks due to adaptability. Migratory in the northern range; increasingly resident in temperate regions.
Mute Swan
The mute swan is one of the heaviest flying birds, with males weighing up to 14 kg. Despite its name, it is not truly mute, producing hissing, grunting, and snorting sounds. Mute swans form lifelong pair bonds and their aggressive defense of nesting territory is well known.