Species

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Swan

Swan Swans are the largest members of the duck family and are amongst the largest flying birds. Swans usually mate for life and although most northern hemisphere species are pure white, southern hemisphere swans are mixed black and white.

Swans were once eaten as a luxury food although this practice is now outlawed. Tradititionally the Queen still owns all unmarked mute swans on the River Thames and there is an annual 'Swan Upping' ceremony held on the third week in July to celebrate this fact.