According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the new AB764 legislation passed this year will include the Mute Swan, also known as Cygnus olor, in the list of non-game birds that can be hunted. The implementation period of this law will be from January 1, 2026, to January 1, 2031.
The Mute Swan is originally from most parts of Europe and Asia, making it an invasive species in North America. Measuring between 125 to 160 centimeters (49 to 63 inches) in length, the Mute Swan is named for its less noisy call compared to other swan species. Adult Mute Swans have pristine white feathers, orange beaks with black edges, and a prominent knob at the top of their beak, with the knob of the male Mute Swan being larger.
In a press release, it was mentioned that the California Department of Fish and Wildlife first discovered Mute Swans in Solano County’s Suisun Marsh and Napa County’s Napa Marsh during the annual waterfowl population survey in 2007. Since then, the population has been steadily increasing, with an estimated 6,900 Mute Swans currently in the wild.
Mute Swans exhibit strong territorial behavior and prefer wet habitats. They typically reside in smaller lakes in pairs and can coexist with ducks and seagulls, while in larger areas, they may live in groups. Mute Swans are non-migratory and feed on aquatic and terrestrial plants.
Considered as a formidable competitor to the native Tundra Swan in California, Mute Swans have been added to the list of invasive bird species in the state. The import, transport, and possession of Mute Swans are prohibited by California regulations, but licensed hunters are allowed to hunt them at any time.
Mute Swans are not protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, as they were introduced to North America as ornamental birds from Europe in the mid-19th century. English Sparrows and European Starlings are two other bird species listed as invasive in California.
According to Bird Advisors, there are four species of swans in North America, all of which have been found in California – Mute Swan, Trumpeter Swan, Whooper Swan, and Tundra Swan. Among these, the Trumpeter Swan is the longest and heaviest native bird species in North America, said to be the heaviest flying bird in the world. Additionally, the Whooper Swan is also an introduced species, but less commonly seen.
The AB764 legislation, titled “Birds and mammals: nongame birds: mute swans,” was introduced by Republican Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez from the 36th district. It passed in both the State Senate and Assembly with votes of (39:0, 1 absent) and (72:0, 8 absent) respectively, and was signed by Governor Newsom on the 7th of this month.