The mute swan (Cygnus olor) is a species of swan and a member of the waterfowl family Anatidae. Cygnus olor is native to much of Eurasia, and (as a rare winter visitor) the far north of Africa. Cygnus olor is an introduced species in North America, Australasia and southern Africa. The name 'mute' derives from it being less vocal than other swan species.