Whooper Swan
Cygnus cygnus
Eala ghlórach
Status All Ireland: Breeding
Population estimate all Ireland: < 10 pairs
Trend (12 years): Stable
Trend (40 years): Increase
Survey timing: May – September
Habitat: Wetland
Occurrence: Whoopers first nested in Ireland at Inch Lake (Donegal) in 1992 since when a small population, still fewer than 10 pairs, has gradually become established. Whoopers are highly territorial though one site, Lough Beg (Derry), uniquely has five pairs.
Habitat preference (simple description of preferred nesting habitat): Nesting birds need remoteness when choosing somewhere to nest, often on a hummock, islet or promontory typically of a shallow lake with adjoining marshes and pasture and sufficient aquatic plants for cygnets.
Preferred ways to establish breeding status: Recording possible breeding is achieved by the presence of pairs between May and September. Whenever breeding is suspected, be sure to watch from a distance and with luck you may see one or more white cygnets, always with their parents, appearing from mid- June. Vigilance in protecting secluded wetlands from disturbance and fragmentation should ensure our summers continue to be graced by these beautiful birds.
