Preening Swan - Cygnus olor
by Yvonne Johnstone
Title
Preening Swan - Cygnus olor
Artist
Yvonne Johnstone
Medium
Photograph - Digitally Enhanced Photograph
Description
A beautiful Mute Swan preening it's feathers by the edge of the water.
The Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) is easily recognised by its all-white body and its reddish-orange bill that has a large black 'knob' at the base.
Swans spend a good part of their day preening. A preen gland is located at the base of the tail; the gland produces an oil that the swan spreads throughout his feathers. This waxy oil helps to waterproof feathers and to retain heat; it strengthens them and keeps them flexible, as well as moisturizing the bill.
They reach for the base of a feather with the bill, then nibble all the way to the tip, removing dirt and small parasites. This also aligns the barbs of feathers so they interlock and create a uniform flexible surface that’s important for insulation and flight.
Uploaded
August 24th, 2021
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