Have you ever wondered how fast a swan can fly? Or perhaps you’d like to know how many species of swan there are and where they can be found in the world. Keep reading! In this article, we’ll explore these and other swan key facts.
Quick Facts About Swans
| Scientific Name: | Cygnus |
| Type of Animal: | Bird |
| Number of Species: | 6 |
| Physical Description: | Large aquatic birds, some of the largest birds in the world capable of flight. They have large, goose-shaped bodies, long, curved necks, and webbed feet. Most swans are white, though some are black or have black necks. Their bills can be pale yellow to bright orange and red depending on species. Baby swans, or cygnets, are usually gray and fluffy in appearance. |
| Distribution: | Widely distributed throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Africa. |
| Habitat: | Wetland habitats such as ponds, lakes, rivers, swamps, marshes, and coastal regions. |
| Size: | Depends on species: – Weight: 7 to 30 pounds – Length: 3 to 6 feet – Wingspan: 5 to 8 feet |
| Diet: | Mostly herbivorous; diet includes: – Aquatic plants – Grasses – Grains and seeds – Vegetables – Berries – Insects |
| Lifespan: | 10 to 40 years depending on species. |
| Endangered? | No |
What Are Swans?
Swans are beautiful birds that live near water and spend much of their time swimming. Swans are large and heavy, sometimes weighing up to 30 pounds with a wingspan of 8 feet, so it takes some time and a running start for them to get into the air.
Most swans are all white except for their bills, eyes, and feet; the exceptions are the black swan and the black-necked swan, which are all black and have black necks, respectively. Baby swans are called cygnets and are usually gray and downy-looking.
Swans can be found all over the world, on every continent except Antarctica. They typically live in wetlands and near bodies of water.
Swans eat a variety of plant-based foods, though they sometimes eat insects and small water creatures by accident while foraging for plant matter. They have to eat about a quarter of their own weight in food every day–that’s a lot of grass and water plants!
How Fast Can Swans Fly?
As mentioned above, it takes some time and effort for swans to get themselves into the air. But once they’re up there, they are impressive flyers.
In most cases, swans fly about 20 to 30 miles per hour; however, if they are flying with a tailwind, they can reach speeds as high as 60 to 70 miles per hour.
Some swans are migratory birds, which means they rely not only on their speed but their ability to fly at high altitudes as they move from point A to point B. These swans can fly as high as 9,000 feet in the air, where they can travel with the wind at their tails to increase their speed.
This, in turn, helps them travel more efficiently, as they are able to fly faster while at the same time expending less effort.
Check out this video of swans flying:
Conclusion
Swans are large aquatic birds capable of flying up to 70 miles per hour with a tailwind. There are 6 species of swan, and they are found throughout the world on every continent except Antarctica. If you’re looking for more info, here are our articles about their sleeping and mating habits.
Read also about other forest birds – here are our guides about barn swallows, eagles, grackles.