The mute swan (Cygnus olor) is a species of swan and a member of the waterfowl family Anatidae. It is native to much of Eurasia, and (as a rare winter visitor) the far north of Africa. It is an introduced species in North America, Australasia and southern Africa. The name 'mute' derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. (The name is an oxymoron, since the word swan comes from an Indoeuropean root meaning "to sing".) Measuring 125 to 170 cm (49 to 67 in) in length, this large swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob atop the beak, which is larger in males. Photos prises dans les marais proches de Rochefort sur mer - Charentes - France Photos taken in the marshes near Rochefort sur mer - Charentes - France