Mute Swan

(Cygnus olor)

Category of conservation concern (IUCN, 2020) – Least Concern

Population size: 2020: 102-184 pairs (2007: 15-35 pairs)

Distribution pattern

With dispersed and partly grouped breeding localities, mainly along the Black Sea coast between Cape Emine and Cape Maslen Nos. Breeding sites also along the River Danube and in the valleys of some inland rivers, including micro-dams. Non–breeding individuals and groups during the breeding season have been registered in other places, including in mountain areas (near the Dospat Dam).

Population estimation for the period 2013 – 2020: During the period 2013-2020, the species has been established in almost all squares, where it was found before 2013. In addition, 20 new localities have been registered, mainly in the Thracian Plain and in Central Northern Bulgaria.

Population size in Special Protection Areas of Natura 2000: 89-144 pairs (81% of the population). The highest numbers have been registered in the SPAs “Mandra-Poda Complex” (23-25 pairs), “Burgas Lake” (12-14 pairs), and “Srebarna” (10-20 pairs).

Гнездово разпространение 2013 – 2020 – представено е разпространението и оценка на числеността на вида за периода 2013 – 2020 г. –

Сравнително разпространение на вида спрямо първия атлас на гнездящите птици (Янков, 2007): Находище до 2007 г. | Находище до 2007 г., потвърдено след 2015 г. – | Ново находище след 2015 г. – Находищата след 2015 г. са на базата на сурови данни от smartbirds.org.

Habitats

Breeds in bogs and marshes, in water fringe vegetation, in places – in lagoons overgrown with marsh vegetation, standing fresh waters, standing brackish waters, as well as in artificial water bodies with rich vegetation (fishponds, micro-dams, quarries). Occurs on sites from 0 m to 300 m above sea level.

Trends in population changes for the period 2013-2020

Threats

Drainage of wetlands, burning and mowing of reed beds near water bodies, poaching, and disturbance by anglers during the breeding season.

Mikhail Iliev, Vladimir Mladenov