Swan
From the grace of Swan Lake to the charm of The Ugly Duckling, the swan is a popular figure in British and European culture.
The belief that they mate for life is unfounded in fact - they have an average of four mates during their lifetimes. The rumour of royal ownership also enhances the swan's regal bearing. In truth, the Queen only claims ownership of some unmarked swans on certain stretches of the Thames.
The swan most familiar to us in the UK is the Mute Swan (Cygnus olor), so called because they make comparatively little vocal noise while flying. These birds can be found year-round on most of our lakes, slow-moving rivers and canals, both in open country and in busier towns and cities. Mute Swans display little fear of humans in Britain where they have long been domesticated, but the wild birds in Asia are more timid and difficult to approach.
Swans form strong emotional bonds when they do pair up, and both parents play a role in guarding and bringing up their offspring. Young cygnets leave the nest after just two days and follow their parents to the water. Sometimes an endearing family portrait is formed when the cygnets are carried on Mum or Dad's back, sheltered by their curved white wings.
Facts
Appearance: Mute Swans are one of Britains largest and heaviest birds. They are white in colour and have a deep orange beak marked with black at each end. This helps distinguish them from the rarer Whooper or Bewicks Swans, both of which display yellow and black beaks. The habit of holding the neck in a graceful S-shape is also peculiar to the Mute Swan
Size: The average swan measures between 140 and 160cm. Wingspan can reach 200 to 240cm
Weight: Up to 15kg
Diet: Water plants, insects and some small fish
Family: Anatidae
Did you know?
- Swans take off by running across the water as fast as they can with their wings flapping. Once airborne they can reach speeds of up to 55mph
- When swans come into land on water the feet behave like water-skis and enable the swan to glide gently to a halt (a much more elegant procedure than take-off)
- The V-shaped formation adopted by swans flying in groups is called a 'wedge'
- The usually silent Mute Swans can be heard to make hissing, snorting and even barking noises when they are angry. This situation usually occurs when a territorial male swan is chasing away an intruder
- The mute swan will instinctively defend its nest and young cygnets from human disturbance. It is unlikely that they will attack humans, but swans are best given a wide berth in spring and summer months
contact us