Swan Sanctuary
"The swans are the largest members of
the duck family Anatidae, and are among the largest flying birds. The
largest species, including the mute swan, trumpeter swan, and whooper
swan, can reach length of over 1.5 m (60 inches) and weigh over 15 kg
(33 pounds). Their wingspans can be almost 3 m (10 ft). Compared to the
closely related geese they are much larger in size and have
proportionally larger feet and necks.[2] They also have a patch of
unfeathered skin between the eyes and bill in adults. The sexes are
alike in plumage, but males are generally bigger and heavier than
females. The Northern Hemisphere species of swan have pure white
plumage but the Southern Hemisphere species are mixed black and white.
The Australian Black Swan (Cygnus atratus) is completely black except
for the white flight feathers on its wings; the chicks of black swans
are light grey in colour, and the South American Black-necked Swan has a
black neck. The legs of swans are normally a dark blackish grey
colour, except for the two South American species, which have pink legs.
Bill colour varies: the four subarctic species have black bills with
varying amounts of yellow, and all the others are patterned red and
black. Although most birds generally do not have teeth, swans are known
to be an exception to this, having small jagged 'teeth' as part of their
beaks used for catching and eating fish. The Mute Swan and Black-necked
Swan have a lump at the base of the bill on the upper mandible."
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