Mute Swan
by Stephen Melia
Title
Mute Swan
Artist
Stephen Melia
Medium
Photograph - Print
Description
The mute swan (Cygnus olor) is a species of swan and a member of the waterfowl family Anatidae. It is native to much of Eurasia, and (as a rare winter visitor) the far north of Africa. It is 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 cm (49 to 67 in) in length, this large swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob atop the beak, which is larger in males.The mute swan is one of the heaviest flying birds. In several studies from Great Britain,Young birds, called cygnets, are not the bright white of mature adults, and their bill is dull greyish-black, not orange, for the first year. The down may range from pure white to grey to buff, with grey/buff the most common. The white cygnets have a leucistic gene. Cygnets grow quickly, reaching a size close to their adult size in approximately three months after hatching. Cygnets typically retain their grey feathers until they are at least one year old, with the down on their wings having been replaced by Flight feathers earlier that year.
Uploaded
March 1st, 2018
Statistics
Viewed 604 Times - Last Visitor from Fairfield, CT on 04/26/2024 at 2:19 PM
Embed
Share
Sales Sheet
Comments (44)
Deb Halloran
Stephen, I love swans and you have certainly captured its graceful beauty in this image. Wonderful reflections and light...nicely done. l/f
Luther Fine Art
Congratulations! Your fantastic photographic art has been chosen as a Camera Art Group feature! You are invited to archive your work in the feature archives discussion in the Camera Art Group.
Kay Brewer
What's more graceful than a swan - naturally. I love this pose and the way she's backed by black. l/f
Catherine Sherman
Absolutely gorgeous, Stephen! Great reflection, and I love the water droplets falling from the swan's beak. L/F
Jan Mulherin
Congratulations!! This beautiful image has been selected to be featured for the week in the âArt Forever With Youâ Group Home Page. You are welcome to add a preview of this featured image to the groupâs discussion post titled âMarch 2018 Stunning Group Featured Imagesâ for a permanent display within the group, to share this achievement with others. If the activity is allowed, your image will also be posted to our group Google+ page. Thank you for your participation in the group! ~Jan
Recently Viewed
