There are various species of swans in existence. Mute swans are all white in color, with black feet and bill, and some black coloring on the face. They are one of the largest and heaviest of all flying birds. The wings are much longer than the bill and legs. The male has a wing span of more than 8.5 feet and can weigh up to 40 pounds.
Swans are very powerful flyers.
They ascend into the air gradually by extending their neck and running along the surface, whether on water or land. The body shape and the structure of their organs have adapted these birds well for their life on the water. Swans are hardy and can withstand extremely cold weather, providing there is an open hole of water sufficient to swim in. Swans will survive a cold winter. Swans feed by dabbling on the surface of the water, or on the bottom of shallow streams and ponds with their short flat bills.