The swan has been around since prehistoric times. This beautiful bird was used as early as 4000 BC by the Egyptians to represent the sun god Ra. They would use these birds to symbolize the rebirth of light after darkness. Swans are still a popular animal today, especially in Europe where they have become symbolic of peace and purity.
Swan Facts:
Swans are monogamous birds that mate for life. Males and females are similar in size but males are larger than females. They are territorial and do not tolerate other swans near their nests. Females give one egg in a year which takes about two months. The eggs hatch in darkness and the chicks take about three weeks before they can fly. Swans eat grasses, seeds, insects, fish, and small mammals. The swan bird is known for its beautiful plumage and ability to sing beautifully. Their diet consists mainly of aquatic invertebrates, fish, frogs, and small reptiles. Swans can live up to 30 years old but are usually around 15-20 years old. Swan birds are migratory and travel from late September until early April. They return to their breeding grounds after this time. In winter they migrate south to warmer climates.Swan birds have been domesticated since ancient times and were used for food, feathers, and sport. The swan is a beautiful bird that is native to Europe and Asia. They are known as white swans because their plumage is pure white. Their wingspan can reach up to 4 feet from tip to tip. Swans are monogamous birds; they mate for life and stay together throughout their lifetime. Swan birds are known for their beautiful plumage, but they have other interesting characteristics that make them unique. Their wingspan can be up to 13 feet [4 m] high! The long neck of the duck gives it a great advantage when eating. Its bill has a special design that allows it to pick food off of trees while keeping its head low. Swan birds are native to North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, and Australia.Swan birds are large white-colored waterfowls that have been known to migrate from the Arctic regions to various parts of the world. They are often seen around lakes, rivers, ponds, and wetlands in North America. Swan birds are also commonly called white swans or Canada geese. Two species of swan birds can be found in North America; they are the Tundra swan (Cygnus columbianus) and the Whooper swan (Cygnopsis cyanides). Both species are migratory and travel south for the winter months. The Whooper swan is native to the northern hemisphere and has a wingspan of up to 2 m. Its plumage is light grayish brown with black markings. Their feet are wet and their debt is long and straight. In contrast, the Tundra swans live in the tundra region of the north where temperatures can reach -60 °C (-76 °F). They have dark brown plumage and their legs are shorter than those of the Whoopers.Both species of swan birds are omnivorous. They eat aquatic invertebrates, fish, snails, frogs, small mammals, and insects. They also consume seeds, berries, fruits, and grains. When they are not feeding, swan birds spend time resting, preening themselves, and sleeping. The Whoopers have a much larger population than the Tundras. They are generally considered to be the more popular of the two species. They are common throughout North America. However, the Tundra is widespread in Europe and Asia. Swans are usually solitary but sometimes form loose flocks.