OF THE BIRDS MENTIONED 14] 
15. SWAN 
(Pages 10-18, 57-59, 116-118) 
Cygnus olor (one of the Duck family. See Pochard). 
Mute Swan (it makes no noise like some other swans, 
but at times gives a harsh cry). Everybody knows 
this great pure white bird, that has long been naturalized 
and bred in this country. (Saxon Swan, Danish Swaan, 
Swedish Svan, etc.) Flight: Heavy, rather slow 
for the size of the bird, but very powerful, the wings 
making a loud swishing noise. Female: Smaller than 
male, and not so ferocious. The birds are very fierce 
at nesting time. Young cygnets of a light bluish-grey 
colour till the moult. They are well protected and cared 
for by the parents during the first year of their life. 
Food: Water weeds plucked from the bottom of the 
water, also small fishes, fish spawn and worms, etc. 
Flesh : Edible. The young birds are sometimes eaten. 
(Swans were once exclusively royal property.) Nest: In 
April or May. Situated: On an island when available. 
Near water, on the ground. Made of reeds, grasses, 
etc., and sometimes half-dried water weeds. Loosely 
constructed. Generally about 3 feet long by 24 feet 
broad, and about 18 inches high ; open, shallow. Eggs : 
Greenish-white. Six or seven. Sometimes dropped 
outside the nest. Often two or three are left un- 
hatched. 
