Fairy tales, carols and swan songs

Mute Swans

The white swans seen in park ponds generally are Mute Swans. These graceful swans were native to northern and central Eurasia, but the species was introduced into North America in the late 19th century by owners of wealthy estates who found their beauty irresistible. 

The swans also have been irresistible in the arts and legend.

Take, for instance, the holiday carol, "The Twelve Days of Christmas." The carol was first published in England in the 1780s, although it may have been French in origin. Mute Swans are the "Seven Swans a Swimming" in the lyrics enumerating the series of increasingly grand Christmas gifts.

Then there is the phrase "swan song." Mute Swans are less vocal than most other swans in Eurasia and North America. They make a variety of grunting, whistling and snorting noises, usually to chide predators trying to enter their territory. But according to a legend in ancient Greece, the swans break into beautiful song just before they die. The Greeks thought this celebrated the bird's joyous departure to join Apollo, the god of music. Today, any artist' last work is commonly called a "swan song."

Finally the Mute Swan plays a role in the fairy tale "The Ugly Duckling," which was written in the 1840s by Hans Christian Andersen. The story tells of a cygnet who, because of his homely appearance, was ostracized from the other waterfowl of a barnyard. Eventually, he matures into a graceful swan, the most beautiful bird of all. Today the Mute Swan is the national bird of Denmark, Andersen's native land.

Trumpeter Swan

Despite its beauty, the Mute Swan is considered an invasive species in the United States. Escaped individuals have established breeding populations, and their aggressive behavior threatens native waterfowl. Some jurisdictions combat them; others (such as Connecticut) protect them by law.

Mute Swans should not be confused with the Trumpeter Swan, a native species that looks similar. Trumpeter Swans are the largest of North America's waterfowl. They are distinguishable from Mute Swans in a couple of respects: The Mute Swan has a curved neck and a very visible orange bill. The Trumpeter Swan has a long, straight neck. Its bill and face are black. Both species are migratory in much of their range.