Whistling swan

[b4quin]

Real beginner question - I saw what I was sure was a whistling swan flying overhead at a pretty close range. I then went to ebirds thinking I might report it and it wasn't listed with the common birds. Is it distinguishable from a mute swan other than by the bill? I'm quite sure I saw a black bill. Bill Quinlan

[Graham Etherington]

Mute Swan can look black billed from a distance, but they're considerably bigger than Whistling Swan. Although Mute Swans are 'silent' their wings make quite a loud sound in flight as they're so big and can usually be heard from quite a distance.
Don't know if that helps.

[AndyB]

Hi Bill, I suspect ebird uses the name Tundra Swan which is why you couldn't see it listed. Sounds like one from your description.

[b4quin]

Thanks for the tips. ebird does use Tundra Swan. The more I read in these forums the less confident I'm feeling. Bill Q