Numbers and distribution of Mute Swans Cygnus olor Whooper Swans C. cygnus and Bewick's Swans C. bewickii in the Black Sea area of the Ukraine, USSR

Abstract

Three species of swan inhabit the Ukranian Black Sea area: Mute Swan, Whooper Swan and Bewick’s Swan. Mute Swans are most numerous and are observed throughout the year. Around 650-660 pairs of Mute Swans nest in the Ukranian Black Sea area, mainly on the Danube and Dniester deltas with a few on the Dnieper river. In 1984-88 winter populations varied between 1,435-25,400 Mute Swans and 650-1,660 Whooper Swans, numbers fluctuating with the weather. Up to 10-50 Bewick’s Swans have been seen, only during severe winters.