Comparing the bewicks swan to whooper swan?

Bewick's Swan (Cygnus columbianus bewickii) and Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus) are two closely related species of swans found in the northern hemisphere. While they share some similarities, there are also some key differences between the two species.

Size and Appearance:

- Bewick's Swan: Medium-sized swan, with a length of 105-125 cm and a wingspan of 185-205 cm. They have a relatively short neck and a rounded head.

- Whooper Swan: Larger swan, with a length of 140-160 cm and a wingspan of 200-240 cm. They have a longer neck and a more angular head.

Bill:

- Bewick's Swan: Yellow bill with a black tip.

- Whooper Swan: Yellow bill with a black base.

Head and Neck:

- Bewick's Swan: Head and neck are mostly white, with a small amount of yellow around the eyes.

- Whooper Swan: Head and neck are mostly white, but they have a more extensive area of yellow around the eyes and on the lores.

Trumpeting Sound:

- Bewick's Swan: Makes a high-pitched, melodious trumpeting sound.

- Whooper Swan: Makes a lower-pitched, more sonorous trumpeting sound.

Habitat and Distribution:

- Bewick's Swan: Breeds in the arctic tundra of Russia and winters in western Europe and the Caspian Sea region.

- Whooper Swan: Breeds in the arctic tundra of Europe, Asia, and North America, and winters in Europe, Asia, and North America.

Diet:

Both Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan are herbivorous, feeding primarily on aquatic plants, grasses, and sedges.

Conservation Status:

- Bewick's Swan: Least Concern (IUCN)

- Whooper Swan: Least Concern (IUCN)

Overall, Bewick's Swan and Whooper Swan are similar in appearance and behavior, but they can be distinguished by their size, bill color, head and neck markings, trumpeting sounds, and geographic distribution.