Swan preening its feathers
by Blair Stuart
Title
Swan preening its feathers
Artist
Blair Stuart
Medium
Photograph - Digital Images
Description
Capture of an Australian Black Swan.
© Image Copyright 2012 Stuart Media Services All Rights Reserved
Black Swans are primarily black-feathered birds, with white flight feathers. The bill is bright red, with a pale bar and tip; and legs and feet are greyish-black. Cobs (males) are slightly larger than pens (females), with a longer and straighter bill. Cygnets (immature birds) are a greyish-brown with pale-edged feathers.
A mature Black Swan measures between 110 and 142 centimetres (43 and 56 in) in length and weighs 3.7–9 kilograms (8.2–20 lb). Its wing span is between 1.6 and 2 metres (5.2 and 6.6 ft).[2][3] The neck is long (relatively the longest neck among the swans) and curved in an "S"-shape.
The Black Swan utters a musical and far reaching bugle-like sound, called either on the water or in flight, as well as a range of softer crooning notes. It can also whistle, especially when disturbed while breeding and nesting.
When swimming, Black Swans hold their necks arched or erect, and often carry their feathers or wings raised in an aggressive display. In flight, a wedge of Black Swans will form as a line or a V, with the individual birds flying strongly with undulating long necks, making whistling sounds with their wings and baying, bugling or trumpeting calls.
The Black Swan is unlike any other Australian bird, although in poor light and at long range it may be confused with a Magpie Goose in flight. However, the Black Swan can be distinguished by its much longer neck and slower wing beat.
Uploaded
June 26th, 2012
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Comments (1)
Christiane Schulze
In a wonderful pose you got him Blair.........like the reflection and ripples ........looks so beautiful - Chris (F/V/TWEET)
Blair Stuart replied:
Thank you Christiane, this is one of my favourites. He put on a dazzling display for me to shoot. As always my friend I thank you for your continued support,your encouragement, input and F/V/Tweet.