Bewick's swans migrate from Siberian breeding grounds to winter in the UK, with populations declining and welfare dependent on food availability and disturbance.
Bewick's swan welfare spans the entire migratory route from Siberia to the UK. Hunting in Baltic and Dutch migration staging areas was identified through long-term ringing studies as a major mortality cause. Disturbance at wintering sites causes repeated flushing that depletes fat reserves needed for spring migration. Agricultural change reducing winter food availability on traditional feeding grounds affects condition. Lead poisoning from ingested grit containing lead shot is documented in swans. WWT reserve management at Slimbridge including supplementary feeding and disturbance management has maintained a refuge population. International flyway conservation addressing hunting pressure and habitat quality along the entire migration route is essential.