The Mute Swan


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The Mute swan is the largest British bird and it is one of the best known. Mute swans were domesticated in medieval times because they were good to eat.

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Mute swans are not as silent as their name suggests. Flocks of swans can be heard grunting and hissing to each other. Neither are swans as dangerous as is sometimes said. The male drives away other swans and threatens people by arching his wings and curving his neck.

Swans fly with their necks outstretched and their powerful wingbeats produce a musical beating note. They usually land on water where they can splash down and use their feet as brakes.


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