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| Invasive Species of the Month |
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Photo courtesy of Rick Boatner, ODFW
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February 2010 Invasive Species of the month Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)
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| February calendar events |
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2010 Oregon Invasive Species Council calendar events
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| What is a Mute swan? |
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A Mute Swan is a Eurasian species that was releases by citizens in New York prior to 1900. People enjoy viewing Mute Swans, however, they are on Oregon’s 100 Worst List of invasive species because they are aggressive, consuming large quantities of aquatic vegetation year round, compete with native birds for habitat, and displace native waterfowl.
click below for larger image 
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| Where? |
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Mute Swans are now found in many states in the Unites States and according to the Breeding Bird Survey, Mute Swan populations are increasing. In Oregon, Mute Swans are classified as a “controlled” species. They may be possessed and sold, but all males must be neutered and all individuals must be surgically pinioned. Importation of Mute Swans into Oregon is prohibited.
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| Lookalike? |
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The adult Mute Swan can be identified from the adult Trumpeter Swan by its orange and black knobby bill. The adult Trumpeter Swan is very similar to the adult Tundra Swan but it is slightly larger, the bill has no yellow spot, the eye is almost enclosed by black and the white feathering on the head extends in a V shape into the dark bill.
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| What can you do? |
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If you spot a Mute Swan or any other potential invasive species in Oregon, report it online at http://oregoninvasiveshotline.org/ or call the Invasive Species Hotline at 1-866-INVADER (1-866-468-2337). This number is toll free.
Help protect Oregon's native wildlife and their habitats by spreading the word about why invasive species are harmful. Mute Swans seem beautiful and harmless, but have completely replaces some species on the East Coast.
Our native Tundra Swan and Trumpeter Swan need your help to maintain their place in Oregon.
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| Risk Assessment |
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Mute Swan Risk Assessment (pdf format)
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| Press release |
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Press release for Mute Swan (pdf format)
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