Swan

Swans are several types of large waterbird, found throughout the world, apart from Anarctica. One variety, the mute swan is (jointly with the Great Bustard) the heaviest bird capable of flight.

The plumage of swans is either white, black (especially amongst Antipodean varieties), or a combination of the two (e.g. the black-necked swan).

Swans are a popular food throughout Europe, but in the United Kingdom, they are a Royal Fish that may only be eaten by the Queen and certain privileged University colleges. The swans on certain English rivers still have their beaks marked, at an annual swan-upping ceremony [1], in token of this.

Swans are aggressively territorial in defence of their nests, and are capable of breaking a persons legs with their wings.