Mute Swan vs Knob-billed Duck
Cygnus olor comparé à Sarkidiornis melanotos
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribut | Mute Swan | Knob-billed Duck |
|---|---|---|
| Nom scientifique | Cygnus olor | Sarkidiornis melanotos |
| Ordre | Anseriformes | Anseriformes |
| Famille | Anatidae | Anatidae |
| Statut de conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Longueur | 152,0 cm (59.8 in) | — |
| Envergure | 235,0 cm (92.5 in) | 64,2 cm (25.3 in) |
| Poids | 11000,0 g (388.01 oz) | 1817,5 g (64.11 oz) |
| Régime alimentaire | Submerged aquatic vegetation, algae, and grass. Feeds by upending in shallow water, reaching depths of … | Dabbles for seeds and aquatic invertebrates; diet shifts toward invertebrate prey in spring breeding season; … |
| Taille de la couvée | 5-7 | 6-20 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Size Comparison
Habitat Comparison
Mute Swan
Lakes, slow rivers, estuaries, and coastal lagoons. Often associated with parks and ornamental waters in Europe.
Knob-billed Duck
Freshwater lakes, marshes, floodplains, and forested wetlands across sub-Saharan Africa and South and Southeast Asia from India to southern China. Nests in large tree hollows near water.
Song & Call Comparison
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.
Knob-billed Duck
A low, grunting 'wuk' or soft, nasal 'krank'. Similar to Comb Duck in call quality. Generally quiet; calls are not loud or distinctive compared to other large African waterfowl.
Geographic Range & Migration
Mute Swan
Native to Europe and western Asia. Introduced to North America, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.
Knob-billed Duck
Breeds on sub-Arctic tundra; winters on the Atlantic coast of North America from Labrador to Florida and the Gulf Coast.
Statut de conservation
Mute Swan
Knob-billed Duck
How to Tell Them Apart
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
Knob-billed Duck
Males have white head with black spots; iridescent dark blue-black back and wings; white underparts with gray flanks. Large black fleshy knob atop bill. Females smaller, brown, and lack the …
About These Birds
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.
Knob-billed Duck
Old World equivalent of the Comb Duck, with iridescent black-and-white body and the male's distinctive bill knob. Found across sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Uses tree cavities for nesting. Gregarious outside breeding season; forms large flocks at seasonal wetlands.