THE EFFECT OF MUTE SWAN (CYGNUS OLOR) AND WHOOPER SWAN (CYGNUS CYGNUS) NEIGHBOURHOOD TO WATERFOWL SPECIES

Abstract

The aim of the study was clarify the scaring effect of Swans to other waterfowl species. Swans are largest birds and might easily push other species outside their territories.  The study conducted in Utena district, during April – September 2023. Two counts during early and post breeding seasons performed. 90 lakes were selected and monitored for the purpose of the study. The lakes were divided into 30 and searched for whooper swans, mute swans and lakes with no swans at all. According to the results, it was observed that the concentration of water birds is the lowest in those water bodies where whooper swans live, but the most birds were observed in habitats where no swans were found. The distance maintained by the birds is greater with Whooper Swans, and with Mute Swans, Eared Crows maintained a greater distance after the breeding season distance after the transition period.