Gozo reservoir attracts 12 Mute Swans, adults and juveniles

12 Mute Swans (Cygnus olor), which are a very rare occurrence to the Maltese Islands, are presently gracing the artificial dam in Marsalforn Valley in Gozo prompting scores of people to visit the area to get a glimpse of this rare sight, BirdLife Malta said today.

The reservoir is right now full to the brim with water after the rain during the past weeks. BirdLife said that the swans (Cinji in Maltese) have probably landed in Gozo because of the cold weather in Europe seeking warmer surroundings.

Policemen are on site to ensure the safety of these beautiful birds – four adults and eight juveniles.

BirdLife Malta said that according to reports, the swans arrived yesterday and originally there were 13 in all.

The Mute Swan is native to much of Europe and Asia, and (as a rare winter visitor) the far north of Africa. The name ‘mute’ derives from it being less vocal than other swan species.

Measuring 125 to 170 centimetres in length, this large swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange bill bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob atop the bill.

They nest on large mounds that they build with waterside vegetation in shallow water on islands in the middle or at the very edge of a lake.

They are monogamous and often reuse the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed.

BirdLife said that although the Mute Swan’s status is ‘very rare,’ some of these birds are recorded in the Maltese Islands from time to time in winter (mostly December and January), especially when it is a really cold winter in Europe. Some records are of small flocks.

BirdLife Malta augured that the general public enjoys this rare spectacle that the beginning of 2017 has brought with it. “This is the right way to enjoy the beauty of nature!”

Photos by Nathaniel Attard