Looks like
Large white waterfowl, typically 20-25 pounds with a 7-foot wingspan. Distinguished from our native tundra and trumpeter swans by its orange bill. This is the only swan you are likely to see in the Hudson Valley during the summer.
Lives in
Found all along the Hudson River, and increasingly spreading to lakes, ponds and rivers throughout the Hudson Valley, chiefly in quiet waters with aquatic vegetation.
Arrived
Introduced as ornamental birds at estates on Long Island and in the Hudson Valley; escaped into the wild in the early 20th century and now spreading across New York state.
Threats
Each bird eats about five pounds of aquatic vegetation a day. They are also aggressive toward other waterfowl and people who get too close to their nests.
Control
New York state is currently revising a very controversial plan to control these birds using a combination of capturing, sterilizing or killing wild birds, oiling eggs, and preventing the further escape of captive birds.
Interesting fact
Mute swans are not mute — they make a variety of sounds, including hissing, whistling and snorting.