The Bewick's Swan (Cygnus Columbianus Bewickii), a sub-specie of Tundra Swans (Cygnus columbianus) has been spotted for the first time in the Valley.
'The specie has been spotted at Hokersar Wetlands and has perhaps migrated from Siberia', quoted Mr. Rashid Naqash, Regional Wildlife Warden, Kashmir. 
The Bewick's Swan is a white coloured specie. Compared to the Whooper swan, the Bewick's swan has more black and less yellow on its bill. It usually migrates to UK but this season, it has changed its resting place to Kashmir. Their black and yellow bill is as unique as a fingerprint. They are too smaller than Whooper and Mute swans and have faster wingbeats. They are a Schedule 1 species.
Bewick species are smallest and rarest of all swan species and was named in 1830 by William Yarrell after the engraver Thomas Bewick, who specialised in birds and animals illustrations. They measure around 115-127 cm from bill to tail, including the neck and have a wingspan of between 170-195 cm. They weigh an average of 6kg.
The juvenile bird has grey and white feathers, and a pinkish bill.
It is still a mystery that what made these swans move to Kashmir. Some threats are there which they are facing, compelling them to do so. They face predation, fewer wetlands and the risk of hitting power lines. There is also the danger that climate change is rapidly changing the climate of the Arctic making their winter grounds unsuitable as it becomes increasingly habitable for other animals that could potentially compete for food sources.
