Swans

About

Swans are birds of the genus Cygnus within the family Anatidae. Their closest relatives include geese and ducks, and they are grouped with geese in the subfamily Anserinae, forming the tribe Cygnini. Sometimes they are considered a distinct subfamily, Cygninae. These birds are the largest waterfowl and are often among the largest flighted birds in their range. There are six living species of swan along with many extinct species, and a species known as the coscoroba swan, which is no longer considered one of the true swans. Swans typically mate for life, though separation sometimes occurs, particularly following nesting failure. If a mate dies, the remaining swan will often take up with another. When breeding, swans produce clutches that range from three to eight eggs.