- Their buoyancy on water is due to air held in plumage.
- Body plumage is continually covered by oil from the preen gland.
- They are very careful not to get water under their plumage.
- These birds have flapping flight and are unable to glide or soar
extensively.
- They are flightless for some weeks after the breeding season, when
flight feathers moult simultaneously.
- Swans can range in size from 56-62 inches long, with a wingspan of
7-8 feet.
- The average life span of a wild swan is 18 years. Swans living in
captivity average 30-40 years with one on record having lived 70 years.
- An adult male (cob) can weigh up to 25 pounds. One male on record
reached an unbelievable weight of 50 pounds. Females (pen) average 21
pounds.
- A baby swan is called a cygnet
- A swan's nest (clutch) may be up to 15 feet in diameter
- A swan's nest may be up to 15 feet in diameter
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