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4 Cygnets
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| Photo Information |
Copyright: Hilary Wilkinson (Hil)
![Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 705 W: 13 N: 1405]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-s-g.gif) (5027) |
| Genre: Animals |
| Medium: Color |
| Date Taken: 2006-08-29 |
| Categories: Birds |
| Camera: Panasonic DMC LZ1 |
| Exposure: f/3.6, 1/250 seconds |
| More Photo Info: [view] |
| Photo Version: Original Version |
| Date Submitted: 2006-08-30 12:44 |
| Viewed: 717 |
| Points: 6 |
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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
Four Mute Swan Cygnets about 3-4 Months old
Mutes Swans
This bird is found naturally mainly in temperate areas of Europe and western Asia. It is not migratory, although some populations must move in winter when waterways and lakes freeze. They are sometimes found at the coast, particularly in winter, rather than solely being birds of inland waters.
For aesthetic reasons, this species is often kept in captivity, in areas where it is not native, in order to decorate parks and ponds. The descendants of such birds have become naturalised in the eastern United States and Great Lakes, much as the Canada Goose has done in Europe. In some locations, such as Chesapeake Bay, the numbers of these feral birds have increased to the point where they are considered pests because they compete with native birds for habitat and food.
Adults of this large swan range from 125-155 cm long with a 200-240 cm wingspan. They may stand over 1.2 m (four feet) tall. Males are larger than females and have a larger knob on their bill. The Mute Swan is one of the heaviest flying birds, with males weighing more than 12kg (27 lb), and females more than 11 kg (25 lb). Its size, orange-reddish bill and white plumage make this swan almost unmistakable. The most similar species is Whooper Swan, but that has a yellow and black bill, and lacks the curved "swan" neck, is longer and heavier and lacks the characteristic projection above the bill.
A Mute swan at the moment of landing
A Mute swan spreads its wings
Two resident swans of Iowa State University
A pair of swans creating a "lovers' heart"
Young birds, called "cygnets", are not the bright white of mature adults, and lack the bright orange bill. The color of the down may be a dull white or gray, and controversy exists over whether the color is related to their gender.
The Mute Swan is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies.
Notes form Wilkipedia.com |
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