Whooper swans migrate from Iceland to winter in the UK and Ireland, and the availability of wetland feeding habitat and supplementary grain is important for individual welfare during cold periods.
Whooper swans arriving at their wintering grounds need access to adequate food throughout winter. Family groups that maintain social bonds through the winter have welfare advantages in terms of food defence and social support. Supplementary feeding at key reserves provides critical welfare support during hard winters when natural food is unavailable. Protecting wintering wetlands and agricultural areas used by swans benefits individual welfare.