Bewick's Swan
Bewick's Swan

Author: Eileen Rees

Publisher: A&C Black

Published: 2010-01-29

Total Pages: 305

ISBN-13: 1408128241

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A fascinating and highly readable monograph, showcasing one of the flagship species of wetland conservation in Britain to superb effect. The arrival of thousands of Bewick's Swans from their Arctic breeding grounds to lakes and wetlands throughout northern and eastern Britain is an unforgettable sight. Popular among both birders and the wider public, these elegant birds are among the best-studied waterfowl in the world. Beginning with the work of the late Sir Peter Scott in the 1950s, Britain's Bewick's have been the subject of intensive behavioural study, while their population ecology has provided a similar focus for research. In Bewick's Swan, Eileen Rees tells the story of these birds in rich detail. Rees discusses their biology in full, with sections on population and distribution, breeding biology, wintering behaviour, food and feeding ecology, taxonomy and phylogeny, migration, and conservation; much original research is included, and there is frequent reference to the Bewick's sibling subspecies, the Tundra Swan of North America. Personal recollections from a lifetime of study weave through the narrative, which is illuminated by Dafila Scott's evocative illustrations.

Swan
Swan

Author: Peter Young

Publisher: Reaktion Books

Published: 2008-03-15

Total Pages: 224

ISBN-13: 186189502X

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The graceful winged form of the swan has inspired works of art from fairy tales to ballets, and its profile is recognized immediately by even the most cursory of bird admirers. Now the newest addition to Reaktion’s acclaimed Animal series examines the fascinating story behind this elegant bird. The natural history of the swan is surprisingly complex, as Peter Young reveals, delving into the bird’s habitat and feeding habits, the physiological details of the eight surviving species and several extinct ones, the bird’s power and endurance, and the formation flying that allows them to conserve energy and fly great distances with speed. Swan gives equal treatment to the long and rich role of the swan in human culture, from the Greek myth of Leda and the Swan to the bird’s portrayal in sculpture, furniture, and brand name logos. Young also details the challenges facing conservation efforts to protect swans from human consumption and material goods. An engrossing account, Swan will be a welcome addition to the bookshelf of all who admire this beautiful bird.

Swan
Swan

Author: Deborah King

Publisher: Random House (UK)

Published: 1985

Total Pages: 32

ISBN-13: 9780224023054

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Presents the physical characteristics and habits of the Bewick swan, one of the smallest and rarest of swans, describing its mating on the Arctic tundra in the spring and its long migration to the south for the winter.

Swans: Their Biology and Natural History
Swans: Their Biology and Natural History

Author: Paul Johnsgard

Publisher: Lulu.com

Published: 2016-02-25

Total Pages: 116

ISBN-13: 160962081X

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The seven species of swans are an easily and universally recognized group of waterfowl, which have historically played important roles in the folklore, myths and legends in many cultures. Among the largest of all flying birds, they have been used as symbols of royalty, grace and beauty, and largely for these reasons swans have only rarely been considered acceptable as targets for sport hunting. Swans occur on all continents but Africa, though most species are found in the temperate and arctic zones of North America and Eurasia. Swans are a long-lived species and are among the most strongly monogamous of birds, having prolonged pair and family bonds that influence their flocking and social behavior, and contribute to the overall high degree of human interest in them. This volume describes their distributions, ecology, social behavior, and breeding biology. Included are nine distribution maps, 19 drawings, 23 photographs by the author, and a bibliography of nearly 700 references.

Swans of the World
Swans of the World

Author: Alice L. Price

Publisher: Council Oak Books

Published: 1994

Total Pages: 204

ISBN-13: 9780933031814

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Fully illustrated with swans of legend, art, nature and the imagination, Swans of the World is a treasury and a treasure as well.

Introducing the Medieval Swan
Introducing the Medieval Swan

Author: Natalie Jayne Goodison

Publisher: University of Wales Press

Published: 2022-07-15

Total Pages: 167

ISBN-13: 1786838419

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Birds have always been a popular and accessible subject, but most books about medieval birds are an overview of their symbolism generally: owl for ill-omen, the pelican as a Eucharistic image and the like. The unique selling point of this book is to focus on one bird and explore it in detail from medieval reality to artistic concept. This book also traces how and why the medieval perception of the swan shifted from hypocritical to courtly within the medieval period. With special attention to ‘The Knight of the Swan’, the book traces the rise and popularity of the medieval swan through literature, history, courtly practices, and art. The book uses thoroughly readable language to appeal to a wide audience and explains some of the reasons why the swan holds such resonance today by covering views of the swan from classic to early modern times.

The Swan
The Swan

Author: Stephen Moss

Publisher: Random House

Published: 2021-11-04

Total Pages: 183

ISBN-13: 1473587123

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From the renowned naturalist Stephen Moss comes the must-have gift for bird lovers this Christmas. 'Wherever there is a stretch of water for them to find food and make their nest, you will come across swans' With beautiful illustrations throughout, this eye-opening biography reveals the hidden secrets of one of Britain's best-known birds. The Mute Swan is not so much a bird, as a national treasure: the avian equivalent of Sir David Attenborough or the Queen. These huge and stately creatures are part of our urban and rural landscapes, a constant presence on lakes, rivers and ponds throughout Britain. Yet despite their familiarity, they are often misunderstood; and while many people love swans, others fear them. Swans also feature in myths and legends, art and literature, dance and music, not just in Britain but all around the world. Stephen Moss delves into the facts and fiction about these charismatic birds, describes their seasonal life cycle and examines their central role in our history and culture. He also includes stories about 'wild swans' - Whooper and Bewicks - that visit us in winter; and the Black Swan of Australia. 'A superb naturalist and writer' Chris Packham 'Moss has carved out an enviable niche as a chronicler of the natural world' Daily Mail