Mute Swan: Nest & eggs
The Mute Swan builds one of Sweden's largest bird nests, always by water, and the pair defends the nest site very aggressively throughout breeding.
- Site: in reed beds, on small islets or on a sheltered shoreline, always beside a lake, pond or sea inlet.
- Construction: a huge, tall pile of reeds, rushes and aquatic plants built up right at the water's edge or partly out in the water.
- Breeding: the female usually lays 5–8 eggs, which are incubated for 35–40 days, and both parents guard the nest and young intensively.