Winter territoriality of Mute Swans <i>Cygnus olor</i>

Abstract

There was considerable variation in winter territoriality among Mute Swan pairs around Oxford, though most pairs maintained their territories for at least half the winter. Variation was associated with temperature and with territory quality pairs left their territories most commonly during the coldest months of the winter, and pairs on good territories, with abundant vegetation and accessible pasture. stayed longer on territory than those on poor territories with sparse vegetation and little pasture. As in other species, exclusive territorial defence was maintained at intermediate levels of resource availability, and flocks were able to settle on a few particularly good territories. Circumstantial evidence suggested that winter territories may be maintained not only to provide an adequate food supply for the owners but also to ensure access to a brerding site by preventing other individuals from taking over the area.