The swan is a large bird of the order Anseriformes and the
genus Cygnus. Male swans are referred to as Cobs and female swans are called
Pens. There are seven species of swan. Swans mate for life, except in the case
of infertility.
Swans can have a wingspan of as long as 10 feet and weigh
over 30 pounds. Most species of swan exhibit white plumage although there are a
number of black plumaged swans. They have very long necks and powerful beaks.
Swans prefer to eat the leaves, roots and stems of aquatic plants and eat food
on land and in the water.
Nesting occurs year round and males help females build the
nest. Offspring are born in clutches of six to eight eggs. Both sexes of swans
help with incubation.