Most people think of swans as graceful, romantic creatures. These beautiful birds have influenced countless works of art. Songs, ballets, and even sayings have been influenced by them. But do swans actually live up to their reputation?
Swans are seen as a symbol of love. It’s true that swans mate for life, but the reason for this is not their feelings for each other. Swan pairs stay together to increase the number of their young. Sticking together also helps swans stay safe and saves them the trouble of searching for a new partner every mating season. Maybe they aren’t so romantic after all.
The large, white birds are also described as graceful, which has given rise to the saying “as graceful as a swan.” Swans may look graceful as they float across the water, but they also have a mean side. Male swans are especially fierce when it comes to protecting their families. If threatened, a swan will usually stand up with its wings out and hiss. While this is mainly for show, it’s still best not to bother swans.
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