the Mute Swan

The grace and beauty of the Mute Swan
has enchanted man for centuries.
Gliding across crystal waters with its
long neck he]d in a graceful curve,
this elegant swan arches its ivory wings
over its back like a feathered sail.

As this ornamental swan swims
through the water, it will, from time
to time plunge its head and neck
below the surface, nibble on tender
aquatic plants, and then suddenly
raise up, tossing back a shower of
crystal droplets onto its
snow-white plumage.

Captivated by this bird's
magnificent beauty, the
Chinese partially domesticated
the Mute Swan to decorate the
parks and estates of China.

Truly the picture of beauty and
elegance, this majestic Swan
glides across the waterwaysof

China in noble silence.

These beautiful birds are often seen
swimming in pairs for they select
a mate for life.

The male is fiercely protective of
his mate and the nesting site
they have chosen.

When threatened, the male Swan
will take an aggressive posture
by bowing and arching his
shimmering plumes over his back,
and softly hiss a warning.

Both the male and the female
share the incubating duties . . .
each taking turns so the other may feed.
After hatching, the light-gray
baby swans or cygnets,
often ride on their parents' downy backs,
cradled in their arched wings.
Indeed, the Mute Swan is a symbol of
striking beauty as they swim gracefully
through the tranquil ponds of China.