The Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) is a species of swan, and thus a member of the waterfowl family Anatidae. It is native to much of Europe and Asia, and (as a rare winter visitor) the far north of Africa. It is also an introduced species in North America, Australasia and southern Africa. The name 'mute' derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. Measuring 125 to 170 centimetres (49 to 67 in) in length, this large swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange bill bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob atop the bill.
Read more about Mute Swan: Taxonomy, Description, Behaviour, Distribution and Habitat, Cultural References
Famous quotes containing the words mute and/or swan:
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—Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900)
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rats leave the sinking ship
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we . . .
didn’t leave,
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that’s swan of Avon logic.”
—Hilda Doolittle (1886–1961)