Hello! As the cold winter days continue, how is everyone doing? A winter icon in the northern lands is the “Whooper Swan.” Today, let’s delve into the charm of this magnificent bird!
Firstly, its size is astounding. The Whooper Swan can reach a body length of about 140 cm, and when it spreads its wings, they span an incredible 2 meters or more! This makes it one of the largest wild birds that migrates to Japan. Moreover, their weight can be quite hefty, ranging from 7.4 kg to 15 kg. To support this weight in the air, constant flapping is necessary. Quite amazing!
And this large bird, the Whooper Swan, actually flies a very long distance. They travel about 3000 km from Siberia to Japan. That’s an incredible journey! They take short breaks at lakes and marshes in Hokkaido along the way, which is a clever travel strategy.
The secret to the Whooper Swan’s beauty lies in its pure white feathers. As they mature, their entire body turns a beautiful white color. However, depending on the environment, their necks might sometimes appear a bit brown. Even these slight changes suit the Whooper Swan well in the natural world.
Their beaks are also interesting. Whooper Swans have a yellow and black beak, with the yellow part being quite prominent. This slight difference helps distinguish them from their relatives, the Bewick’s Swans.
At the end of winter, they are often seen returning north in couples or family groups. Sometimes, they even wait for their partners before leaving together. Seeing their beautiful departure can undoubtedly turn anyone into a big fan of the Whooper Swan. So, during this winter season, don’t forget to look up at the sky!
