The swan (Cygnini) is a large long necked water bird of the duck family.
Swans have a rich folklore history. In Greek myth, Apollo and Aphrodite are depicted riding chariots of swans.
Up until the 1600s, a “black swan” was a metaphor for something that did not exist. Then a group of Dutch explorers became the first Europeans to see black swans in Western Australia in 1697, and the phrase was amended to mean “a perceived impossibility that might later be disproven.”
There's an old belief that swans only sing once in their lives, and that song is sung at the moment they die. It's the belief that lies behind the term "swan song", and it has also inspired many poems and musical works, including Orlando Gibbons' madrigal The Silver Swan.
During the 1800s, swan skins were used to make European ladies' powder puffs and swan feathers were used to adorn fashionable hats.
Jean Sibelius' Fifth Symphony was inspired by the sight of 16 swans. "One of the great experiences of my life," he wrote. "how beautiful."
Christopher Milne named his toy bear Winnie after a Canadian black bear he often saw at London Zoo. “Pooh” was added as the name he gave to a swan.
Winston Churchill kept black swans in his Chartwell Lake.
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HISTORY
Swans have a rich folklore history. In Greek myth, Apollo and Aphrodite are depicted riding chariots of swans.
Up until the 1600s, a “black swan” was a metaphor for something that did not exist. Then a group of Dutch explorers became the first Europeans to see black swans in Western Australia in 1697, and the phrase was amended to mean “a perceived impossibility that might later be disproven.”
 |
| Pixiebay |
There's an old belief that swans only sing once in their lives, and that song is sung at the moment they die. It's the belief that lies behind the term "swan song", and it has also inspired many poems and musical works, including Orlando Gibbons' madrigal The Silver Swan.
During the 1800s, swan skins were used to make European ladies' powder puffs and swan feathers were used to adorn fashionable hats.
Jean Sibelius' Fifth Symphony was inspired by the sight of 16 swans. "One of the great experiences of my life," he wrote. "how beautiful."
Christopher Milne named his toy bear Winnie after a Canadian black bear he often saw at London Zoo. “Pooh” was added as the name he gave to a swan.
Winston Churchill kept black swans in his Chartwell Lake.
Petra, a female black swan, became famous in 2006 when she formed an unusual bond with a swan-shaped pedalo on Germany's Aasee lake. She remained devoted to the pedalo until it was reported she'd gone missing in January 2009. Petra was eventually found on a different lake, this time with a more traditional swan partner.
The Mute Swan, Trumpeter Swan, and Whooper Swan are the largest swans. They can reach a length of over 1.5 m (59 in) and weigh over 15 kg (33 lb). Their wingspans can be over 3.1 m (10 ft).
Most swans are white. These swans are found in the Northern Hemisphere. Black swans are found in the Southern Hemisphere.
The Australian black swan (Cygnus atratus) is completely black except for the white flight feathers on its wings and a red beak; the chicks of black swans are light grey.
Swan legs are normally a blackish-grey color, except for the two black South American species, which have pink legs.
Swans are the only birds with penises.
The voice is a harsh hiss. though the mute swan (Cygnus olor) is less vocal than other swan species.
Swans feed in water and on land. In the water, their diet is composed mainly of the roots, tubers, stems and leaves of aquatic and submerged plants, although they may eat small amounts of aquatic animals.
ANATOMY
The Mute Swan, Trumpeter Swan, and Whooper Swan are the largest swans. They can reach a length of over 1.5 m (59 in) and weigh over 15 kg (33 lb). Their wingspans can be over 3.1 m (10 ft).
Most swans are white. These swans are found in the Northern Hemisphere. Black swans are found in the Southern Hemisphere.
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| Pixiebay |
The Australian black swan (Cygnus atratus) is completely black except for the white flight feathers on its wings and a red beak; the chicks of black swans are light grey.
Swan legs are normally a blackish-grey color, except for the two black South American species, which have pink legs.
Swans are the only birds with penises.
BEHAVIOR
The voice is a harsh hiss. though the mute swan (Cygnus olor) is less vocal than other swan species.
Swans feed in water and on land. In the water, their diet is composed mainly of the roots, tubers, stems and leaves of aquatic and submerged plants, although they may eat small amounts of aquatic animals.
Swans eat an impressive 3 kg of water weeds a day, a quarter of their body weight.
Pairing is generally for life and the young cygnets are at first grey, later brownish.
A female swan is called a pen while a male is called a cob.
The annual Swan Upping on the River Thames in London is a five-day census, which dates back to the twelfth century. During the ceremony swans and young cygnets belonging to the Queen are counted, while being observed for signs of injury or disease.
During the annual Swan Upping, the cygnets are still marked on the beak as either the property of the Crown or of the two privileged City companies, the Dyers and Vintners.
Pairing is generally for life and the young cygnets are at first grey, later brownish.
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| Pixiebay |
FUN SWAN FACTS
A female swan is called a pen while a male is called a cob.
The annual Swan Upping on the River Thames in London is a five-day census, which dates back to the twelfth century. During the ceremony swans and young cygnets belonging to the Queen are counted, while being observed for signs of injury or disease.
During the annual Swan Upping, the cygnets are still marked on the beak as either the property of the Crown or of the two privileged City companies, the Dyers and Vintners.
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