Cygnus Cygnus, commonly known as the whooper swan, is a beautiful bird that breeds mainly in Iceland and Northern Europe. It is a migratory bird that winters in milder climates, such as the British Isles and the Baltic States. The whooper swan is easily identifiable with its pure white plumage and striking black beak, often described as a trumpet. Synonyms for the whooper swan include the Northern swan, the wild swan, the whooping swan, and the trumpeter swan. In folklore, the whooper swan is often associated with love, music, and courage due to its majestic appearance and melodious calls.