Cygnus cygnus
The whooper swan breeds across Northern Eurasia, including Iceland, and is
one of the largest migratory birds. The pattern of the bill is unique to each
individual.
Swans pair for life. They build their nests on elevations near the water, and
both parents care for the young during their first year of life.
The whooper swan feeds mainly on underwater vegetation, which it loosens by
padding its feet.
“Cygnus” is the Latinized
form of Greek kyknos, which means “swan”.
The above picture was taken at the Zoo of Wuppertal, Germany, in April 2011.
Genus Cygnus
Tribe Anserini
Subfamily Anserinae
Family Anatidae
Order Anseriformes
Class Aves
Subphylum Vertebrata
Phylum Chordata
Kingdom Animalia
Life on Earth
Index