Facts, Information, Scientific Name of Swan
Name – Swan
Scientific name- Cygnus
Size- 1.5m
Distribution – The swan bird is found in Lakes, wetlands and open water Habitats in the countries of the Northern Hemisphere, Australia, and South America. Their Birds are Migratory as well.
Appearance, Habits, Diet
Swan has a large body with a curvy neck. The beak has jagged or pointed structures on its inner line called serrations.
These serrations help in grabbing aquatic plants, filtering algae, catching frogs, worms, etc.
The beak is Flat in shape, it is dipped in water and moved side to side and the prey is caught in this action. This activity is called ‘Dabbling’.
The feet of this bird are webbed for swimming.
Swan male birds are called ‘Cobs’ and Female birds are called ‘Pens’.
Pens feed extra to store fats in their body for breeding.
Breeding, Courtship, Nesting and Brooding-
The Swan Birds are monogamous. They share their duties of building the nest.
Nest is made up of Grass, Branch, reeds, vegetation
Courtship activities include Bill dipping, Swimming together with the same moves, and head contact which is a heart shape formed by touching their heads together.
Female lays 3-8 eggs and both of them incubate for 1 month.
The Guarding responsibility is of the Male.
Baby Swans are known as ‘Cygnets’
Parents are protective towards cygnets. The warning and defensive behaviour is displayed by Hissing, Snorting, Flapping and stretching wings. Cygnets are witnessed riding on the back of the Swans.
Cygnets are Precocial chicks. It means they can swim and feed on their own. It means they don’t need assistance in feeding but the food is provided by parents.
The lifespan of a Swan is of 20 years.
Also See ⇒ Sarus Crane