Whooper swan ID at distance (1 Viewer)

[RMa]

Can anyone give me some tips on (grazing) swan ID at extreme distance (bill colour not visible)? Much appreciated

 

[Jan-Paul Charteris]

If bill profile (head/bill shape) is visible, Bewick's has more of a concave profile, like a goose, compared with the more continuous line ("Roman nose") look of Whooper. Also Bewick's being much shorter necked, while Whooper longer and straighter necked than Mute Swan can be obvious, so this can depend on the attitude/pose of the bird. If any other species like Mute present for comparison, Bewick's are obviously smaller, Whooper are taller than Mute

 

[RMa]

Thanks Jan-Paul

They did have very long straight necks so I'm thinking whooper. I know they've been on the marsh where I saw them - I just want to feel confident of the ID in my own mind. Cheers