Swans are birds belonging to the genus Cygnus of the family Anatidae. This family also includes other animals such as geese and ducks. The swans are grouped in the subfamily Anserine together with the geese where they form a tribe Cygnini. Swans are distinct in appearance and behavior since they are among the largest flying birds. In extension, their wingspan may get up to 10ft with mature ones weighing up to 15 kilograms. As adults they have a patch of unfettered skin between their eyes with the males weighing generally more than the females. Some scientists and researcher at times consider swans a distinct subfamily with the name Cygninae. There are eight to nine species of swans, which include:
Whooper swan
Trumpeter swan
Tundra swan
Mute swan
Black necked swan
Black swan
Berwick swan
Corsoba swan
Whistling swan.
The swans are grouped and named depending on their origin, appearance and in some cases behaviour. For instance, the mute swan is observed to possess a less vocal behavior as compared to other swans. Some researchers also note that the mute swan displays different mating orientations with some behaving closely to homosexual tendencies.
They reproduce by laying eggs which later hatch to give an offspring. The offspring given thereof is called a cygnet. A name adapted via its classification. The swans are also known to form monogamous family bonds, which are in pairs. These bonds are for mating purposes but some are recorded to stay for a lifetime. Cases where the mates separate are noted especially in instances where there is a hatching failure also termed as nestling failure. The swans are rather cooperative in the incubation of eggs with the male aiding the female in the incubation. A typical clutch would house on average three to eight eggs.
With distinct roles; the swans have distinct names for each gender. A male swan is known as a cob while a female swan is referred to as a pen.
Whooper swan
Trumpeter swan
Tundra swan
Mute swan
Black necked swan
Black swan
Berwick swan
Corsoba swan
Whistling swan.
The swans are grouped and named depending on their origin, appearance and in some cases behaviour. For instance, the mute swan is observed to possess a less vocal behavior as compared to other swans. Some researchers also note that the mute swan displays different mating orientations with some behaving closely to homosexual tendencies.
They reproduce by laying eggs which later hatch to give an offspring. The offspring given thereof is called a cygnet. A name adapted via its classification. The swans are also known to form monogamous family bonds, which are in pairs. These bonds are for mating purposes but some are recorded to stay for a lifetime. Cases where the mates separate are noted especially in instances where there is a hatching failure also termed as nestling failure. The swans are rather cooperative in the incubation of eggs with the male aiding the female in the incubation. A typical clutch would house on average three to eight eggs.
With distinct roles; the swans have distinct names for each gender. A male swan is known as a cob while a female swan is referred to as a pen.
