The Mute swan is the largest species among all swans and among the entire order of geese.

Social behavior

They live in pairs, families, sometimes in packs. At the age of four, the birds form lifelong monogamous pairs. Other birds are treated aggressively during the nesting period.

Reproduction

The clutch contains 5-10 olive-green eggs, which are incubated only by the female for about 35 days. The male at this time acts as a guard. The chicks appear sighted, covered with gray-brown down. They become independent closer to five months. Until this time, parents often carry the swans on their backs and warm them with the warmth of their bodies. The male also takes part in the care of the offspring.

Species and people

The swan has long attracted people because of the meat, which was considered a delicacy, and down. The relentless fishing has led to a catastrophic decline in the number of the sibilant swan. And if in nature the bird can be found infrequently, then in the open reservoirs of parks the swan is a graceful color and a favorite. After all, the bird is extremely beautiful and majestic, and, moreover, easily tamed.

Interesting Facts

Since 1984, the swan has been the national bird of Denmark.

The feather cover of the bird has about 25,000 feathers.