Swans are migratory water birds related to ducks and geese. Larger than the goose, the swan may attain a length of 1.5 m or more. Its long, graceful, arched neck allows it to dip into the water and gather the aquatic plants and seeds that form the major part of its diet. The male swan, called a cob, is larger than the female, or pen. The young, called cygnets, have bluish-gray or brownish feathers. With the exception of the black-necked swan and the black swan, the plumage of adults is white.
Swans gather in flocks, and a mated pair may stay together for life. The nest is usually a wide mass of rushes and reeds, lined with down, built near the water's edge. The female lays two to seven whitish eggs, each about 10 cm long.
Swans usually mate for life. But there are times when a swan does take a new mate. A swan may take a new mate if its partner gets lost or dies.
Swans choose mates when they are 2 to 3 years old. A swan begins its courtship by displaying, or showing off, to another swan. Swans display while facing each other. They dip and turn their heads. Swans may also “kiss” bills. When swans kiss, their necks form a heart shape.
Many swan pairs set up territories. A pair picks a territory where there is a lot of food and a safe place to build a nest. Swans defend their territories fiercely. They fight off an intruder by bumping it and hitting it with their wings. When the intruder leaves, the swan pair celebrates. They call loudly and face each other with raised wings.
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